The role of universities in regional development through Smart Specialisation Strategies: Evidence from two Spanish regions (Catalonia and Navarre)

There is an increasing prominence given to the so called third-mission role of universities beyond the traditional core functions of teaching and research. The new Cohesion policy framework at European level, based around the concept of Smart Specialisation Strategies (RIS3), reinforces this trend placing universities among the key actors for regional development. This article analyses the role of universities in RIS3 by looking at two different Spanish regions: Catalonia and Navarre. The paper draws common lessons from two separately-conducted case studies. The work is based on a qualitative methodology, which includes in-depth interviews with university-managers in both regions, desk-based research and a triangulation of the findings with the public sector. The article discusses selected instruments through which HEIs contribute to RIS3 implementation and identifies some challenges universities need to address to ensure opportunities from RIS3 are exploited.

ELENA PÉREZ Susana;  ARREGUI PABOLLET Eskarne;  MARINELLI Elisabetta; 

2017-12-29

sage

JRC108598

0213-3865,   

http://www.euskadi.eus/web01-a2reveko/es/k86aEkonomiazWar/ekonomiaz/abrirArticulo?idpubl=88®istro=7,    https://publications.jrc.ec.europa.eu/repository/handle/JRC108598,