“Understanding the Regional Contribution of Higher Educational Institutions: A Literature Review,”
October 1, 2007
The contribution of higher education institutions to regional development is a theme which has
attracted increasing attention in recent years. Currently, it is expected that the knowledge
institutions not only conduct education and research, but also play an active role in the
development of their economic, social and cultural surroundings. In other words, they are
entrusted with a regional mission. The extent to which institutions of higher education are able to
take on this role will depend on a number of circumstances. Characteristic of the individual
institutions, the various regions in which they are located and the national policy frameworks will
obviously be of substantial significance. At the same time, there are signs of a more fundamental
conceptual and strategic confusion. In spite of the fact that the regional contribution of higher
education is on the policy agenda, it remains far from clear how the institutions actually function
and what their new responsibilities will entail. Nor is there consensus as to what standing
collaboration with industry and community should have in their overall operation and which
priorities are relevant. The discussions are frequently characterised by a few slogans and popular
metaphors.
by Peter Arbo and Paul Benneworth.
Full Paper: http://www.oecd.org/dataoecd/55/7/37006775.pdf