South East Technological University (SETU) has launched its first regional engagement action plan, placing the University at the centre of an ambitious drive to strengthen the South East’s economy, retain talent and deepen links between education, industry and communities.
The strategy, ‘Connecting our Region through Partnerships with People and Place 2026-2030’, was unveiled at a breakfast briefing at SETU on Wednesday, 30 September, attended by representatives from business, education, the arts and public life.
The first standalone strategy of its kind for a technological university in Ireland, the plan sets out how SETU intends to play a more active role in shaping the South East’s development. It also underpins the importance of strategic engagement in delivering impact for the region and delivering more options for learners and graduates.
Launching the strategy, SETU President, Professor Veronica Campbell said regional engagement is central to SETU.
Our University is founded on a very strong legacy of partnership across the South East. It is woven through everything we do in teaching and learning, research, innovation, enterprise engagement and community development,” Professor Campbell said, “This Regional Engagement plan articulates how we will develop these connections and how we will work alongside our partners to address both the opportunities and challenges facing our region.
Professor Veronica Campbell SETU President
“Strong regions drive sustainable growth, create opportunities for people and communities, and contribute to national prosperity, and with this plan, SETU is uniquely positioned to contribute to these ambitions,” she added.
The strategy is built around three pillars: partnerships; public engagement and reputation building; and place-based innovation and skills.
A crucial target is to harness the unifying strength of regional engagement, by formalising partnerships with public and private bodies, industry and enterprise and local communities.
Kathryn Kiely, Vice-President for External Affairs, said the strategy intends to establish SETU as an anchor institution in the region, with a stronger focus on long-term partnerships.
Crucially, this plan sets out how we will deliver change – through deeper, more strategic partnerships, coordinated engagement across our campuses and a targeted focus on impact.
Kathryn Kiely Vice-President for External Affairs
She said, “We want to ensure there is genuine reciprocity in our partnerships, where everyone benefits from the connection.”
The plan highlights the diversity of collaboration already underway at SETU including: the award-winning work of Calmast STEM Centre; Engineering the South East, an industry-led cluster, outreach programmes with Tiglin and An Cosán, and with Creative Places, a community arts project in Enniscorthy.
SETU’s role in regional development was highlighted during a panel discussion at the launch, which brought together representatives from higher education, enterprise, media and the arts.
Claire McGee, CEO of the Technological Universities Association (TUA), acknowledged the alignment of the plan with SETU’s explicit legislative mandate to partner with regional public sector, enterprise and civic stakeholders.
Liam Dunne, CEO and co-founder of Waterford-based Klearcom spoke about his success in scaling a global business from its headquarters in Xcelerate, which now employs over 100 people.
Meanwhile, Irial Mac Murchú, chief executive of Nemeton TV, highlighted the success of the 20-year partnership with SETU and Údarás na Gaeltachta in providing the talent pipeline to support the Irish language media industry.
Lastly, Elizabeth Whyte, executive director of Wexford Arts Centre, discussed the creative opportunities that can be unlocked though active engagement with SETU students.
This plan builds on SETU’s substantial existing contribution to the South East. An economic and social impact study undertaken by Indecon Consultants in 2026 determined the University’s annual economic impact stands at €1.07 billion.
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