Highly
Connected
Ecosystem

At regional, national and
international levels

ATU IN A HIGHLY CONNECTED ECOSYTEM The Technological Universities Act sets out the functions of a technological university having regard to the needs of the region “where the campuses of the technological university are located.” With nine campuses spread across the Northern and Western NUTS region, ATU is in a unique position to serve the region and contribute to its development as it faces significant challenges. To do this we will work proactively to create and cultivate synergistic relationships with all our stakeholders by Connecting with Communities and Connecting with Enterprise.While individual campuses will continue to engage with their local communities, the collective expertise of the University will also be available to those communities and the region as a whole. We will extend our reach beyond the region by Connecting Globally especially at a European level. Our links with European partners will engage shared learning across European communities in peripheral regions and enable us to work with our partners to co-develop sustainable ecosystems.Beyond Europe, our reach will continue to extend as we deepen connections with universities, parners and communities across the globe.

Alan Mulrooney, CEO of the Western Development Commission celebrates the vibrant community and quality of life in the West and Northwest of Ireland.

How much positive impact do you believe ATU can have on the sustainable development of the region?

High
Some
Little
None

Community Connection

Actively engaging in local initiatives, providing accessible education, and contributing to the social fabric to uplift and empower immediate communities, while fostering connections with enterprise.

Regional Collaboration

Driving sustainable development through partnerships with enterprise, agencies, and organisations, creating solutions and job opportunities, while connecting globally for innovative solutions.

National Impact

Influencing policies, shaping critical discourse, and producing socially responsible graduates, while connecting with community and enterprise for national educational excellence and research impact.

International Reach

Serving as a hub for global collaboration, fostering academic and cultural exchange, while connecting with enterprises and communities worldwide for impactful research and global interconnectedness.

Sustainable Global Citizenship

Instilling environmental responsibility and social impact, fostering a sense of sustainable global citizenship among students and stakeholders through community, enterprise, and global connections.

Our Vision 2040 will guide our Connected Ecosystem strategic objectives for 2024-2028 in:

Connecting with Communities
Connecting with Enterprise
Connecting Globally

Highly Connected Ecosystem

Vision 2040

CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM - OBJECTIVES 2024 TO 2028

Connecting with Commmunities

Support vibrant communities by attracting and retaining people

Create positive impact through civic engagement

Build a strong bridge to our alumni and diaspora

Grow the cross-border dimension

Nurture sustainable development of rural, coastal and island and Gaeltacht communities

Connecting with Enterprise

Support enterprise by responding to skills and knowledge requirements

Increase competitiveness through stimulating innovation

Leverage development of clusters, gateways etc to enhance impact for enterprise, utilising sectoral and regional structures, and programmes to best effect

Nurture partnerships to enhance collaboration across the enterprise ecosystem and networks

Connecting Globally

Enhance our internationalisation activities with an outward-facing, inclusive and ethical outlook

Address displacement challenges and support vulnerable communities

Tackle global sustainability by creating and transferring knowledge

Fulfil our role as partners in European networks with international impact

What will Success look like?

Leading example of the successful interaction between a regional university and its region
Our region benefitting from ATU as part of ecosystem as demonstrated by support for enterprise
Driver of innovation through partnerships in the region especially in digitalisation and sustainability
Leading university for cross-border connections exemplified by pilot projects, funding, networks and students from Northern Ireland
Impact from EU GREEN network on communities in our region
Tangible contribution to the development of Gaeltacht regions
Central role in assisting the region and communities meet targets in relation to decarbonisation
Enhanced international recognition and impact

CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM - 2024 to 2028

Mid-term Priorities

CONNECTED ECOSYSTEM - 2024 to 2028

Establishment of a community engagement model to address themes such as sustainable energy and “Just Transition”
Development of a portal for the community to access University expertise and campuses as regional resources
Ongoing development of an ATU regional ecosystem “map” identifying and characterising the University's engagement
Further development of the Customer Relationship System (CRM) to enhance engagement with enterprise
Establishment of a cross-border centre located in ATU
Greater international profile in areas such as learning, teaching, research, collaborations and global issues
Development and promotion of the use of Irish Language through the University's own plans and structures and in collaboration with key regional stakeholders
Integrated plan for engagement with primary, secondary and further education sectors
Extended memberships of key university networks nationally and internationally
Leader in raising digital competencies of SMEs and public services in the region