Making impact, inspiring futures: SETU delivers €1bn regional transformation
Prof Veronica Campbell, president of SETU: 'We now know that 16 per cent of our current students would likely not be in higher education at all if SETU did not exist.' Photograph: Patrick Browne
Three years on from being formally established as a university South East Technological University (SETU) has published its first comprehensive economic and social impact assessment report, with findings that illustrate the foundation of SETU as not only a regional milestone, but a turning point for powerful economic and social development.
This independent analysis, prepared by Indecon, examines every major aspect of SETU’s activity. From graduate earnings to the impact of international students, to research expenditure and volunteering, the report calculates SETU’s annual economic contribution to the Irish economy at €1.05 billion.
SETU’s president, Prof Veronica Campbell, welcomed the report, saying: “This analysis represents the most comprehensive assessment to date of SETU’s significant economic and social contribution to society in the short time since its establishment.
“Moreover, the report serves as a benchmark for the work of SETU in providing crucial access to education for a regional population that might not otherwise have the opportunity. It also illustrates the talent pipeline that SETU creates for regional industry, and the increase in research and innovation capacity via our research capability and technology gateways creating real-world societal impact.”
SETU’s current student body stands at more than 18,000 across its campuses in Waterford, Carlow, Wexford, and transnational provision. The report emphasises SETU’s role in broadening access to higher education, while developing and anchoring talent in the southeast region.
“Thanks to the data gathered in the report, we now know that 16 per cent of our current students would likely not be in higher education at all if SETU did not exist. Another 10 per cent say they would have left Ireland entirely to study abroad,” says Campbell.
For decades, the southeast has faced persistent outward migration of its brightest young people after completing their studies. Indecon’s analysis shows that SETU is reversing that trend. The southeast remains the single most common employment destination for graduates, with 37 per cent choosing to work regionally.
“That is the very definition of educational impact,” says Campbell.
President of SETU’s Students Union Erin Ní Fhoghlú also welcomed the findings. “At SETU, we have a dynamic, committed, and ambitious student population that enhances the talent base of our region. For our students to know that there is increased opportunity available to them in the southeast is extremely important as they pursue their studies at SETU.”
Indecon’s report, based on National Planning Framework (NFP) projections, predicts an 18 per cent increase in the student population of the southeast region by 2040. This highlights the future increase in need for SETU programmes, supports, and facilities to the southeast; and the need to ensure the university has capacity for projected student growth.
The benefits of SETU’s economic impact go far beyond the classroom. Almost 70 per cent of students surveyed said SETU directly improved their employment prospects, with 60 per cent reporting increased earning potential.
According to the report, SETU’s 2023 graduating class will have an estimated total net lifetime income benefit of around €425 million, with an estimated €209 million in estimated lifetime Exchequer returns.
“These are not abstract economic metrics,” says Campbell. “They represent families whose prospects have transformed, learners stepping into new futures, and employers gaining access to talent that would otherwise have been lost from the southeast region.”
Additionally, SETU supports over 3,600 jobs both directly and indirectly, employing a network of staff across disciplines and professions at its campuses spanning the southeast.
Ní Fhoghlú acknowledges the significant contribution of students to social impact within the southeast.
“SETU students contribute €1.4 million annually to the region in volunteering, strengthening community organisations, cultural groups, sports clubs, and social enterprises. The report highlights the university’s essential role in civic leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion, wellbeing, and reputation-building for the wider region. Central to this is the participation and dedication of our study body.
“Aside from the figures, it is important to acknowledge the social value of this work, as well as its impact on developing students’ skills and sense of community. Over 60 per cent of those surveyed said that taking part in SETU activities had a positive impact on their confidence and self-esteem.”
Campbell adds, “A university is not only a place of learning; it is a supportive environment where people can reclaim a sense of self-belief and belonging while pursuing their studies. Many learners join us through partnerships like our collaborations with the Irish Defence Forces or organisations such as Tiglin, who support individuals facing homelessness, addiction, and displacement.
“We recently celebrated this collaboration with the launch of the SETU and Tiglin project report. Over 300 service users at Tiglin completed courses with us in the last three years alone. Research to date has identified no equivalent initiative either nationally or internationally, positioning the project as a pioneering model of educational intervention within recovery journeys.”
“Research and innovation are also at the heart of our goals to drive impact,” says Campbell.
“SETU’s research activity generated €35 million in economic impact last year, driven by cutting-edge work in advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, ICT, regional innovation, and sustainable development. We are also the leading technological university in Ireland for Horizon Europe funding, having secured €12.8 million to date.
“The true value of research lies in its ability to ignite new ideas and enterprise. SETU’s innovation ecosystem now includes eight active spinouts, a strong pipeline of commercial opportunities, and leading technology gateways, from PMBRC to SEAM, Design+, and the Walton Institute, each delivering practical and cutting-edge engagement with industry.”
This ecosystem steadily delivers regional transformation through a complex network of activity. The university’s incubation hubs, the SETU Xcelerate Centres, and its technology gateways work to support entrepreneurs, help companies to innovate, and influence the investment decisions of broader enterprise.
Campbell says: “The report’s findings reflect SETU’s ambition to become a leading global technological university and a catalyst for innovation and regional growth. Our research collaborations are expanding the innovation capacity of both Irish and international firms, and our partnerships are directly influencing investment decisions.”
“SETU’s success to date is a testament to the people of the southeast, to our students, staff, industry partners, community organisations and local authorities, who believe that this region deserves nothing less than a world-class university,” says Campbell.
“It is heartening to see the tangible impact of SETU on the economic and social development of our region. However, the publication of this report is also a roadmap for what is to come. I look forward to expanding this impact as SETU grows across all areas measured.
“To do this, it is vital that we secure further investment that allows our university to grow.” Already in the pipeline are new programmes such as a Bachelor of veterinary medicine (MVB) and Master of pharmacy (MPharm), both beginning in 2026, and capital projects underway including construction on new buildings.
“Ireland’s competitiveness depends not only on how well our cities perform, but on whether regions like the southeast are empowered to succeed. SETU is already proving what is possible through stronger graduate pathways, deeper industry partnerships, international research success, and the emergence of a talent pipeline that benefits the entire country. I look forward to what’s in store for our growing university.”
For more information, visit setu.ie.
