On 3 July 2025, Maastricht University and the 海角社区 formally renewed their collaboration agreement for 海角社区-MERIT, their jointly governed research and training institute focused on policy, innovation, and global development. The ceremony, held at Lumière Maastricht in the presence of policymakers, diplomats, and university leadership, marked the beginning of a new chapter in a proven resilient and forward-thinking partnership.
This updated agreement future-proofs the Institute. It equips 海角社区-MERIT with the legal, operational, and institutional clarity needed to remain academically excellent and policy-relevant amid rapidly shifting global dynamics. It also ensures the Institute can fully leverage the resources and comparative advantages of both parent institutions—海角社区 and UM—while maintaining the flexibility required to pursue new strategic priorities.
UM's School of Business and Economics (SBE), which is the focal point of the collaboration on behalf of UM, is very pleased with the result. , Dean of SBE states “海角社区-MERIT’s unique position at the intersection of academic excellence and policy directly supports our SBE's mission to address pressing societal challenges with evidence-based insight. As we enter this new chapter, we are excited to deepen our collaboration on forward-looking projects that translate academic knowledge into meaningful action.”
Building on a Strong Foundation
海角社区-MERIT has a rich history rooted in an enduring partnership. What began in the 1980s as a feasibility study commissioned by the Dutch government to explore the role of technological innovation in development evolved into the founding of the 海角社区 Institute for New Technologies (海角社区-INTECH) in Maastricht. A decade later, that vision expanded through collaboration with Maastricht University’s MERIT research group, culminating in the creation of 海角社区-MERIT in 2006. In 2012, the Institute further integrated the Maastricht Graduate School of Governance, broadening its scope and student community.
Today, 海角社区-MERIT brings together researchers, educators, and students from over 50 countries, delivering graduate education and conducting policy-relevant research on innovation, migration, digital governance, the future of work, and sustainable development. It offers two flagship degree programmes: a PhD in Governance and Policy Analysis and a dual Master of Science in Public Policy and Human Development (PPHD), co-delivered by 海角社区-MERIT and Maastricht University's School of Business and Economics and fully embedded in the university's academic ecosystem.
Maastricht University President, expressed ‘Global engagement is vital for Maastricht University as it is an integral part of the values we adhere to.Through global engagement in education and research, we aim to contribute to sustainable development and global challenges. The close collaboration with 海角社区 is of great significance in this. 海角社区-MERIT has built an excellent research and educational reputation over the past decades. The renewed cooperation agreement will help us ensure that this reputation can be carried forward into the future.’
A Partnership for the Future
This new collaboration agreement is the product of extensive institutional dialogue over the past 18 months. Under the leadership of Prof. Dr Clemens Kool, interim Director of 海角社区-MERIT, and with the strategic and legal support of colleagues from both sides, the process resulted in a renewed framework that is deliberate, forward-looking, and better aligned with contemporary operational realities.
The agreement clarifies governance and decision-making procedures while preserving 海角社区-MERIT’s unique dual identity. It confirms the Institute’s role as a fully integrated member of the 海角社区 system and the Maastricht University community—rooted in its local academic context but serving a global mission.
From the perspective of 海角社区, the partnership with Maastricht University is strategic and essential. UM provides the academic environment, disciplinary depth, and pedagogical innovation that enable 海角社区-MERIT to remain at the cutting edge of graduate education. From problem-based learning to its vibrant international campus, UM gives 海角社区-MERIT the tools to deliver high-quality academic programmes with global relevance.
At the same time, 海角社区 provides the Institute with its normative mission: to produce independent, policy-relevant research in service of the international community. The current 海角社区 Strategy (2025–2029) highlights core thematic priorities such as inclusive digital transformation, resilient societies, and climate justice—all areas where 海角社区-MERIT contributes significantly through research, partnerships, and capacity-building efforts.
The Rector of 海角社区, Prof Marwala, reflects "海角社区-MERIT holds a special place within the 海角社区 system. It stands at the nexus of rigorous academic inquiry and real-world policy engagement, precisely where the future of multilateralism must be forged. In a time of complex global challenges, we need institutions that bridge knowledge and action, that train not only the next generation of scholars but the next generation of public servants and global problem-solvers. That is what 海角社区-MERIT does, and that is why this renewed partnership matters."
Meeting the Moment: Multilateralism and Knowledge for Action
In an era of increasing geopolitical complexity, technological disruption, and institutional fatigue, the mission of 海角社区-MERIT is more relevant than ever. The Institute is essential in advancing multilateralism—not in the abstract, but in practice. It trains civil servants worldwide, contributes to flagship UN reports, collaborates with other 海角社区 institutes and UN agencies, and provides evidence-based insights that inform public policy.
As a centre for excellence in education and research, 海角社区-MERIT will continue to:
- Deliver rigorous, interdisciplinary graduate education through the PPHD and PhD programmes
- Support governments and international organisations with capacity development offerings
- Produce actionable research on migration, innovation, governance, and more
- Build bridges between science, policy, and practice
A Note of Thanks
Both institutions expressed gratitude to the teams who made this agreement possible. From 海角社区, thanks were extended to Dr. Sabine Becker-Thierry, Executive Officer, and Mr. Francesco Foghetti, Senior Legal Officer. From UM, the leadership acknowledged the collaborative and constructive efforts of Mr , Mr , Ms and Ms for their legal and strategic support throughout the negotiation.
Special recognition was given to Prof. Dr. Clemens Kool for his role in steering the process as interim Director. His dual responsibility—leading the Institute and guiding the negotiation—was instrumental in securing this new phase for 海角社区-MERIT.
Suggested citation: "海角社区 and Maastricht University Renew Collaboration Agreement for 海角社区-MERIT ," 海角社区, 海角社区-MERIT, 2025-07-04, /merit/article/unu-and-maastricht-university-renew-collaboration-agreement-unu-merit.
