The Eastern Arc Strategy 2025-30

In 2023 Eastern Arc celebrated its tenth anniversary. A decade after being established, we have realised our original vision: to be a ‘substantial and sustained collaboration,’ bold in our ambition and inclusive in our reach.

Since then we have expanded to include a new member: the University of Sussex. Like the founding members, Sussex was one of the original seven ‘plate glass’ universities, founded in the early 1960s to be a different kind of institution: socially­aware, radical and disruptive.

Together, we are an alliance of equals, independent and passionate about the communities of which we’re part, but recognising the common strengths and the common needs of our universities and our regions.

As we enter the second decade of our collaboration, we are setting out our strategy for the next five years. We will focus our work in four interlinked areas that define our region, and show how our research, innovation, education and engagement can lead to a positive impact within all of them.

Through our work, we will build on our history of radical difference to forge a positive template for regional collaboration. 

It will not always be easy, and we recognise that in many areas we will have to change mindsets and ingrained outlooks. However it is a challenge worth facing: by coming together, by sharing our knowledge, our skills and our resources, we will address specific threats and opportunities of our time to help create a sustainable, peaceful and equitable future for our region and beyond.

Vision

Our vision is to collaborate to deliver real, tangible and positive change in four areas that both define our region and impact the world: coast, food, heritage and sanctuary.

Mission

Our mission is to develop and galvanise intersectoral networks that will enable shared understanding and lead to joint ventures, adding value through collaboration, culture and advocacy.