Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava (USV), together with its associated partners within the NEOLAiA European University Alliance, took part in the Trilateral Economic Forum Romania–Ukraine–Turkey on 19–20 October 2026. The Forum brought universities, researchers, public authorities and businesses together in Suceava and Siret, Romania, to discuss international cooperation, research and innovation, and opportunities to support Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable regional development.
How can universities and their regional partners work together to address challenges that extend beyond national borders?
This question was at the heart of the Trilateral Economic Forum 2026, which focused on “Strategic Partnerships for the Post-Conflict Reconstruction of Ukraine and Long-Term Regional Cooperation.”
The Forum brought together representatives from Romania, Ukraine and Turkey to exchange experiences, explore opportunities for cooperation and discuss how academic knowledge, research and innovation can support regional development.
As a member of the NEOLAiA European University Alliance, Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava contributed to the academic discussions alongside its associated partners, highlighting the importance of connecting universities with organisations that play an active role in their regions.
Bringing Academic and Regional Partners Together
One of the key moments of the Forum was the academic cooperation programme on 19 October, hosted by Ștefan cel Mare University of Suceava and the Suceava County Council.
The discussions focused on strengthening international research partnerships, encouraging knowledge exchange and exploring opportunities for joint projects between universities, research institutions and businesses.
Participants also discussed the possibility of developing a trilateral Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) network to support cooperation between institutions in Romania, Ukraine and Turkey.
USV’s associated partners within NEOLAiA also contributed to the Forum:
- Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University (Ukraine)
- North-East Regional Development Agency (Romania)
- Suceava County Council (Romania)
- Suceava Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Romania)
Their involvement brought together different perspectives from higher education, regional development, public administration and business.
The discussions highlighted how universities and regional organisations can combine their knowledge, experience and resources to explore solutions to shared challenges.
Connecting Research with Regional Needs
The Forum also explored how academic cooperation can contribute to economic development and Ukraine’s future reconstruction.
On 20 October, participants gathered at the Siret Industrial Park to discuss business partnerships, investment opportunities and cooperation between companies and public institutions.
The programme included a presentation of B2B CONNECT, a digital platform that aims to help businesses establish new partnerships, as well as meetings between companies, investors and representatives of Ukrainian regional administrations.
For universities, these discussions provided a wider perspective on how research, innovation and knowledge transfer can connect with the needs of businesses and local communities.
They also highlighted the potential for closer cooperation between academic institutions and regional stakeholders, particularly in areas where international partnerships can help address economic and societal challenges.
Strengthening NEOLAiA’s Connections Beyond University Campuses
The participation of USV and its associated partners reflected one of NEOLAiA’s broader ambitions: to strengthen the links between universities and the regions they serve.
By bringing together academic institutions, public authorities and businesses, the Forum created opportunities to exchange ideas, identify common interests and explore future cooperation.
It also highlighted the role of the Suceava-Siret region in connecting partners from the European Union, Ukraine and Turkey.
For NEOLAiA, initiatives like this show how cooperation can extend beyond the Alliance’s nine universities and involve regional partners in addressing shared challenges.
The discussions at the Trilateral Forum opened opportunities for further dialogue, potential joint research initiatives and partnerships that could support innovation and sustainable regional development.
Through exchanges like these, NEOLAiA partner universities and their associated partners can strengthen international connections, share expertise and work towards solutions that benefit their communities and regions.
More information: https://fdbc.ro/trilateral-forum-agenda/
