The SEA-EU-NET project stands as a testament to the power of international collaboration in science and technology. Launched on January 1, 2008, and concluding on December 31, 2012, this initiative was a concerted effort to enhance bi-regional cooperation between Europe and Southeast Asia (SEA).
The project’s inception was driven by the recognition of the need for a more strategic and coherent approach to scientific collaboration. It involved 21 institutions from both regions, encompassing a diverse mix of government bodies, academic institutions, private companies, and research institutes. The SEA-EU-NET project aimed to increase the quality, quantity, profile, and impact of bi-regional science and technology cooperation, supporting the internationalization policy of the European Union (EU), and contributing to the EU’s broader political, economic, and social objectives.
One of the hallmark events facilitated by the SEA-EU-NET was the ASEAN-EU Year of Science, Technology, and Innovation 2012 (YoSTI2012). This year-long campaign was initiated to deepen S&T collaboration between the EU and ASEAN. It was officially launched in November 2011 in Hanoi, with the closing event taking place on December 11, 2012, in Brussels, Belgium. The YoSTI2012 focused on topics of strategic importance to both regions and of global relevance, thereby giving greater impact and higher visibility to S&T cooperation.
The SEA-EU-NET project also paved the way for SEA-EU-NET II, a continuation of the initiative that began in October 2012 and concluded in April 2017. This phase aimed to tackle societal challenges jointly and marked significant strides in fostering scientific cooperation, such as the SEA-Europe Pilot Joint Call for Mobility Projects 2015.
The facilitators of the SEA-EU-NET project were instrumental in its success. Coordinated by the Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (DLR), the project brought together a consortium of partners dedicated to advancing the S&T dialogue and creating opportunities for researchers and institutions to collaborate on a multitude of scientific endeavors.
The SEA-EU-NET project’s legacy continues to influence the landscape of international scientific cooperation, demonstrating the enduring benefits of collaborative efforts across borders and regions. It serves as a blueprint for future initiatives aiming to harness the collective expertise and innovation potential of diverse scientific communities.
For more detailed information on the SEA-EU-NET project, its history, and its outcomes, readers can refer to the official reports and publications available through the European Commission’s CORDIS portal.
Disclaimer: This website is no longer affiliated to the SEA-EU-NET project, hence not a way to impersonate the project or body but as an informational piece about what it stands for.