Arqus Societal Engagement Board meets stakeholders to boost collaboration

The Arqus Societal Engagement Board gathered alongside associated partners and stakeholders to discuss how to deepen collaboration, build shared initiatives, and tackle common challenges across European regions.

The Arqus Societal Engagement Board recently met with associated partners and local stakeholders to strengthen connections across the Alliance’s local ecosystems. As a first step toward broader participation, the meeting gave participants a space to explore shared interests and build long-term working relationships across borders.

The meeting brought together a range of partners who have collaborated with Arqus over the years across various initiatives, including:

• Municipalities from Arqus member cities
• Chambers of Commerce and local business representatives
• Student Associations and youth groups
• Start-ups, enterprise partners, and innovation hubs

Building Shared Value Across Alliance Priorities

Guided by the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, Arqus aims to create practical value both for member universities and local communities. By addressing everyday priorities like green transition and digital change, the Alliance connects academic knowledge with local needs.

Participants discussed how closer cooperation supports five main areas of the Alliance’s work:

• Mobility: Expanding international opportunities and practical work experiences for students and local partners
• Social Engagement: Tackling real-world issues through challenge-based learning and initiatives such as the Arqus Academic Hubs
• Teaching & Learning: Helping students develop skills that match regional workforce needs
• Research & Innovation: Connecting university research with local business development and smart specialisation strategies
• Global Opportunities: Using international networks to support growth and outreach

These efforts stay grounded in principles of Sustainability and Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), making sure cooperation remains open and fair.

Positive Feedback and Next Steps

Attending partners welcomed the chance to work more closely with Arqus and highlighted the benefit of using the Alliance’s European network to spark new projects and joint activities—both with universities and among themselves.