Strategic International Partnership (SIP)

In 2020 ESA decided to take a new step by following a recent trend in the evolution of international relations among institutions of higher education around the world: Strategic International Partnerships (SIP)

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What does Strategic International Partnership (SIP) mean?

The purpose of a SIP goes beyond strengthening the internationalization of the institution. The signing of a SIP agreement implies a strong and common intention on the part of the two institutions to achieve broad strategic goals. To concretize a SIP agreement and achieve these major objectives, both institutions define ‘Joint advancement mechanisms’, to encourage involvement of Research Units, Departments, Programs, academic and administrative staff.

International cooperation around specific themes

Our approach is built around 4 interdisciplinary, strategic thematic areas:
  • Terroir-driven food systems,
  • Agroecological transition and competitiveness
  • Digital agriculture,
  • Food and urban landscapes.
We aim to create a network with the ambition to be recognised as an international group of experts on the 4 interdisciplinary themes mentioned above. Composed of at most 5 partner universities, our SIP network is created in a spirit of complementary skill sharing and reinforcement. SIP agreements with partner universities are based on common ambition and a desire for mutual consolidation. These partnerships contribute significantly to our reputation and influence in agricultural higher education and research in our respective countries and throughout the world.