The Max van der Stoel Institute (MVDSI) and the Institute of Environment and Health (IEH) at South East European University (SEEU) are pleased to announce the online publication of the scientific article “The Role of University Climate Initiatives in Shaping Municipal Sustainability Practices: The Case of Tetovo” in the International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management.
The article is co-authored by Albinota Nuredini, Vlera Ismaili, Fortesa Asani, Veli Kreci, and Nebi Xhemali and represents a collaborative research effort by MVDSI and IEH researchers, demonstrating the institutes’ shared commitment to advancing evidence-based research on sustainability, climate action, and environmental governance.
The publication builds upon the long-standing institutional collaboration between South East European University and the University of Birmingham, which has focused on air quality, climate action, and environmental sustainability. This partnership has enabled knowledge exchange, joint research activities, and the development of innovative approaches to addressing environmental challenges in North Macedonia.
An earlier version of the paper was presented at the EURA 2025 Urban Research and Practice Conference in Bristol through the Research England – SEEU & University of Birmingham Collaboration Agreement, where it received valuable feedback that contributed to the development of the final published article.
The research examines how university-led climate initiatives can contribute to sustainable urban transformation through the case of SEEU’s Climate Action Plan (CAP 2.0). Using the Triple Helix model of university–industry–government collaboration, the study demonstrates how higher education institutions can act as catalysts for climate action by generating knowledge, supporting evidence-based policymaking, and fostering collaboration among key stakeholders.
The paper also documents the significant progress achieved through SEEU’s Climate Action Plan, including an approximately 80% reduction in institutional carbon emissions between 2008 and 2024, while highlighting the importance of data-driven governance, renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and stakeholder engagement in achieving long-term sustainability goals.
This publication represents another important scientific contribution from MVDSI and IEH in the fields of environmental sustainability, climate change, and urban resilience. It reflects the institutes’ ongoing efforts to produce high-quality research with practical relevance for policymakers, local communities, and higher education institutions, while strengthening international research collaborations.
The publication is available through the International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1504/IJPSPM.2026.10079164
