An interregional internationalisation initiative in support of transitions
The 3i University Network is an innovative interregional collaboration led by four major universities:
- University of Lille
- KU Leuven
- Ghent University
- University of Kent
This partnership is built on a shared vision: to strengthen the connections between research, education and society across neighbouring regions facing similar challenges.
By bringing together universities, local authorities, businesses and civil society actors from the Hauts-de-France, Kent and Flanders regions, the network fosters the emergence of concrete initiatives to address major societal and environmental challenges.
A network rooted in cross-border cooperation, territorial innovation and sustainable development.
Established in 2020, the 3i Network has quickly demonstrated the relevance of its approach: geographical proximity, complementary expertise and a strong commitment to joint action make it a strategic driver for all partners involved.
A cooperation structured around four major challenges
Owing to their geographical proximity, the three regions share similar challenges.
The 3i Network structures its activities around four major thematic clusters, within which common issues are identified and interregional solutions are explored.
Coastal and marine areas are increasingly under pressure from urbanisation, resource exploitation and climate change. At the same time, Europe’s growing blue economy offers significant potential for innovation and sustainable development.
The Marine & Maritime cluster aims to:
- Identify scientific, industrial, social and political challenges linked to the transition toward a sustainable blue economy;
- Involve a broad range of stakeholders — researchers, policymakers, and citizens — to anticipate the transformations underway in the Channel area;
- Support the development of cross-border solutions to inform public policy and professional practices;
- Help the partner regions play a leading role in implementing the EU’s Blue Growth Strategy.
This cluster addresses the intersection of food systems, public health and innovation, aiming to improve the quality of life through sustainable nutrition and regional collaboration.
It explores ways to:
- Promote healthy and sustainable diets across the regions;
- Support research on food behaviours, prevention and public health strategies;
- Engage agri-food stakeholders, from producers to consumers;
- Encourage cross-border initiatives in food innovation, education and well-being.
This cluster seeks to address social cohesion, inclusion, mental health and overall well-being through participatory and interdisciplinary approaches.
It supports initiatives that:
- Strengthen the role of universities in supporting inclusion and social innovation;
- Promote student well-being and community engagement;
- Explore cultural, educational and civic cooperation across regions;
- Encourage dialogue between academia and local stakeholders on societal transitions.
The Climate & Energy cluster focuses on accelerating the energy and ecological transition at regional level, by fostering collaboration between universities, institutions and local actors.
Priorities include:
- Supporting sustainable energy strategies and local adaptation plans;
- Promoting low-carbon innovations and circular economy models;
- Sharing knowledge and good practices across borders;
- Encouraging community-based responses to climate challenges.
Our Actions
Collaborative Projects
The Network supports the development of interregional projects within its priority areas. Targeted calls for proposals have already enabled the funding of concrete partnerships, and new instruments are being prepared to further encourage collaboration. Academic mobility, particularly in the early stages of project development, plays a key role. Discussions are also underway on the potential for supporting the preparation of European-level proposals.
Events and Exchanges
The Network organises and supports various forms of exchange — conferences, workshops, and seminars — to foster dialogue and the sharing of knowledge. Some initiatives are led directly by partner universities, while others are co-developed within the Network framework. The creation of more structured formats, such as innovation forums or cross-cutting thematic events, is under consideration for future implementation.
Territorial Synergies
The Network works to strengthen links between research, innovation and education ecosystems across the participating regions. This involves connecting existing initiatives, aligning regional priorities where relevant, and highlighting complementarities. In the medium term, the aim is to build more sustainable forms of cooperation, notably through the establishment of interregional clusters or platforms.
Visibility and Outreach
The 3i Network contributes to raising the visibility of the initiatives, talents and projects emerging from interregional collaboration. This includes joint communication efforts, dissemination through institutional channels, and participation in European programmes. Supporting young researchers, engaging new partners and developing shared strategies for European-level outreach are key areas for future growth.
- 400+ > short-term mobilities funded across partner institutions
- 52 > co-supervised PhD theses supported within the Network
- 35 > collaborative projects receiving funding or guidance
A European Ambition
The 3i Network positions itself as a model of interregional cooperation in Europe, grounded in academic excellence, territorial innovation and societal engagement.
By fostering closer links between research, education and public policy across neighbouring regions, the Network contributes to building a more integrated European space capable of addressing today’s major challenges.
Its actions are aligned with key European priorities — from supporting ecological and digital transitions, to enhancing territorial cohesion and expanding access to mobility, training and collaborative opportunities. The Network serves as a laboratory for flexible, place-based forms of cooperation with a strong European dimension.
Through this approach, the partner universities reaffirm their shared commitment to a more inclusive, sustainable and connected European knowledge area.
