Navigating Change: Shaping the Future of EUSAIR - Trends, Priorities, and Policy Implications

This study focuses on the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) as a pivotal framework. EUSAIR's four key pillars—Blue Growth, Connecting the Region, Environmental Quality, and Sustainable Tourism—form the bedrock for comprehensive regional development.
Through synergistic efforts, EUSAIR aims to cultivate collabouration, innovation, and sustainable growth, thereby contributing to the broader goals of social, economic, and territorial cohesion in the European macro-regions. This paper investigates the shifting needs and trends within the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) from 2014 to the present, aiming to formulate strategic policy recommendations for the upcoming programming period. In addition, this article endeavours to identify emerging priorities intricately linked to the concepts of neighbourhood and enlargement, emphasizing the integration of the region, bolstering the single market, and
positioning it as a vibrant research and academic hub. Anchored in the identified potential new priorities, including research emphasis, stakeholder engagement, youth involvement, infrastructure connectivity, and data standardization, the study proposes leveraging the need of establishing a dedicated space for research, study, and the exchange of data and information. A well-structured space for data and information sharing, along with the definition of specific transversal priorities represent a cornerstone for addressing evolving regional priorities for fostering comprehensive
development in the macro-region.