The Role of Universities for Economic Development in Urban Poles(RUnUP Thematic Network)Dr Clive Winters, Assistant Director, Coventry University Enterprises Ltd

24th June 2009

THE ROLE OF CITIES IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

› 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 STATE OF THE ART

1.Creating New 2.Industry 3.Diversification of old 4.Upgrading of Industries Transplantation Industry mature 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/manpower 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/Manpower development

· Technical Assistance for sub contractors, suppliers

· Filling structural holes

· Bridging between disconnected actors

· Creating an Industry Identity

THE ROLE OF CITIES IN THE KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY

› 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.