SUNRISE is an alliance comprising nine smaller-sized European Universities with a STEAM focus located in regional (non-metropolitan) areas. These institutions share common goals, challenges and values. The alliance is dedicated to enhancing the strategic role of these universities in fostering the development and prosperity of regional economies and societies. Their development is principally guided by national, European and international perspectives. In this context, the universities within this alliance setting out to address all four missions of higher education institutions (HEIs), i.e. education, research, innovation and service to society, play a pivotal role in:
- Actively shaping the EU’s Triple Transition addressing digital, green and societal challenges that European societies are faced with. Given the alliance member universities unique positions in their respective regions, SUNRISE is well-situated to provide a customised STEAM-based response to these challenges, including climate change, brain drain, demographic challenges, the preservation of European values, democracy and inclusion.
- the design and implementation of the EU’s Regional Research and Innovation Strategies for Smart Specialisation (RIS3). This involvement aims to strengthen regional development and growth by educating graduates who are equipped to address societal challenges, both at local and global levels. Consequently, they significantly contribute to economic, social and environmental development.
- acting as an industrial and urban transition bridge, connecting decentralised regions (with their predominantly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with metropolitan areas (that host a higher number of larger-sized international companies)
