Transformations  in
Business & Economics

Universities and their Contribution to Regional Development
Simone Strauf, Roland Scherer

ABSTRACT. As institutes of tertiary education, universities are primarily (further) education facilities and research institutes. They are intended to impart knowledge and competencies, not only in the field of further education but also with respect to social development. Whilst universities used to be geared, first and foremost, to the international and national stage, these days the regional anchoring of universities is increasingly gaining in significance. Universities are expected to commit to their region and contribute to regional development. Universities can accomplish the difficult balancing act of satisfying their mission and legitimation if they can succeed in combining the “university system” with the “regional system”. Doing so implies that both the universities and regional stakeholders accept new requirements. Should a partnership emerge between the university and the region, this would mark a significant step on the way to achieving a learning region and a knowledge-based society.

KEYWORDS: universities, regional development, learning region.

JEL classification: I23, R11, R58.