The role of universities in regional development strategies: A comparison across actors and policy stages

The emergence of collaborative approaches in innovation policy and regional governance has increased expectations for universities to engage strategy making assume broader roles responsibilities. Nonetheless, complexities inherent the process, context universities’ own institutional organisational capacity are often ignored or under-explained when framing roles. Although these frequently introduced, they have been superficially conceptualised literature. This study develops a deeper theoretical empirical understanding contributions different stages processes. Through comparative case four European universities, it explores variation by stage university actors involved strategies. Findings suggest expanded perform new planning-related (e.g. consultation, mediation) that diverse factors context, such as urban versus peripheral) determine their participation However, strategic coordination within with bodies is needed optimisation engagement process. JEL Codes: I23, I25, O20, O30, R58