Contribution of Higher Education Institutions to Regional Development

This report is from the OECD Directorate for Education and based on research conducted from 2004–2007. A follow-up/continuation study from 2008–2010 is currently underway:

Universitites and other higher education institutions (HEIs) make a significant contribution to regional economic, social and cultural development. In a globalised economy this role is growing in importance. IMHE, in collaboration with the OECD Territorial Development and Public Governance Directoriate, has conducted a comparative review of how these issues are addressed in OECD countries, with the objective of reinforcing the partnerships between institutions and regions.

From one of the linked reports, a "policy brief":

The contribution of HEIs to developing their home regions has not previously been a major concern for public policy or the HEIs themselves. But this is changing with the expansion of higher education, particularly in the non-university sector, which in some cases has aimed to addresws regional disparities. Another crucial factor is a poilicy switch in most OECD counties towards indigenous development in regions emphasizing skills, entrepreneurialism and innovation.