THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES FOR ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN URBAN POLES RUnUP Thematic Network Clive Winters, Lead Expert Chris Wilson, Lead Partner

RUnUP Overview Cities are widely recognised as playing a fundamental role in the promotion of the knowledge economy Most research and policy has focussed on large cities with World- class educational and research institutes and advanced clusters of economic activity There are clear and significant gaps in the knowledge of how smaller sized cities, with different levels and types of knowledge institutions and different levels of economic activity can compete within the Knowledge Economy. Such cities are recognised within European Union policy as playing a vital role in the implementation of the Lisbon agenda.

RUnUP Overview The network has addressed in a uniquely different way the fundamental issues of how universities should engage with their local communities with a particular focus on medium-sized cities; the role of local authorities and municipalities and the importance of triple helix structures for supporting economic development and encouraging entrepreneurship. 9 partner medium-sized European Cities in the Knowledge Economy Gateshead (UK)Barakaldo (ES)Campobasso (IT) Patras (GR)Solna (SE)Dunkirk (FR) Potsdam (DE)Leszno (PL)Agueda (PT)

RUnUP State of the Art 1.Creating New 2.Industry 3.Diversification of old4.Upgrading of IndustriesTransplantation industry into related newmature industry  Technology Licensing  Forefront Research  Promote/Assist entrepreneurial businesses  Cultivate ties between academic researchers and local entrepreneurs  Industry Identity, Standard Setting  Evangelists, Conferences, Workshops, entrepreneurs forums etc  Education/manpow er development  Problem Solving for Industry through Contract Research, Faculty Consulting etc.  Global best practice scanning  Convening foresight Exercises  Convening user supplier forums  Responsive Curricula  Education/Manpow er development  Technical Assistance for sub contractors, suppliers  Filling structural holes  Bridging between disconnected actors  Creating an Industry Identity

RUnUP Moving Forward The alignment of university activity to economic transformation. Recognising that the traditional linear model of seeing universities as producers of knowledge from research and conversion into technology transfer and developing spin-outs is extremely limited. Universities can undertake much wider roles in local economies many of which are more aligned to the focus of small and medium-sized cities. The activities of RUnUP will extend and highlight the range of alternatives regarding the role of Universities in such environments. Focusing on the practical role that local authorities can play in Small and Medium-Sized Cities as the vital interface between the needs of economic actors and the knowledge base. Focus on improving the capacity of business to apply knowledge “Absorptive Capacity” from engagement in Business Support to Knowledge Transfer.

RUnUP Case Study – Gateshead Therefore, the RUnUP Thematic Network seeks to: Identify the economic needs of partner cities Identify how universities and public bodies can support changing economic needs Improve cooperation between public bodies – universities – local businesses to encourage entrepreneurship But Gateshead has no university, so focus will be on: Nearby universities Redefining the Local Authority’s approach to engagement and the role of ULSG’s learning and sharing with triple helix organisations Local business awareness of support available

RUnUP Case Study – Gateshead Within the RUnUP Thematic Network Gateshead Council needs to address the following challenges to take full advantage of the knowledge economy: Fully articulate the state of transformation in its local economy Adapt the work of its Business Development Team to align to the focus of economic transformation and the Knowledge Economy. Fully understand how its knowledge based partners deliver activity in support of economic transformation. Deliver new knowledge-based collaboration activity in line with economic transformation requirements.

RUnUP Thematic Work Areas The RUnUP thematic work areas will be delivered by various work packages and actions: Mapping the state of economic transformation and related economic needs Triple helix partnerships led by economic development strategy Creation and development of thematic triple helix partnerships Cross sectoral exchange and peer review programmes Cross sectoral entrepreneurship and innovation training programmes Talent attraction and retention strategies Triple helix partnership personal and business location strategy Creating a distinctive ‘local brand’

RUnUP Thematic Work Areas The implementation of the capitalisation process at programme level includes communication and dissemination measures that utilise: External conferences Thematic pole events and briefings Website updates and press contacts Resulting in the delivery of key outputs and results: Local Action Plans Transferable training programmes Best Practice Compendium Talent attraction and retention strategies Personal and business location programme guides

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