Universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) can play a key role in human capital development and innovation systems. In the time of globalisation, growth and development continue to cluster around specific regions that have a high concentration of skilled and creative workforce and infrastructure for innovation. HEIs can help their cities and regions become more innovative and globally competitive.
Reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development are the OECD’s vehicle to mobilise higher education for economic, social and cultural development of cities and regions. They analyse how the higher education system impacts upon regional and local development. In addition, they facilitate stronger collaborative work and capacity building.
In 2004-2007, IMHE, in collaboration with the OECD Public Governance and Territorial Development Directorate, conducted a comparative review of regional engagement of higher education institutions in 14 regions across 12 countries. This resulted in the OECD flagship publication Higher Education and Regions: Globally Competitive, Locally Engaged.
The second round of reviews has taken the reviews to 14 regions and city-regions in OECD countries as well as non-member countries. The work will provide a robust evidence base and will benefit from collaboration with OECD Directorates and programmes as well as partners such as the World Bank.
More regions can now sign up for the third round of Reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development. The third round will benefit mainly regions and cities having IMHE member institutions.
This report highlights the significant impact of the institutions’ environment, trends in the quality of academia, teaching methods and learning conditions.
This report will prove to be an invaluable resource for all those interested in the broad international picture of education, as well as for those wanting to know more about OECD work in this important domain.
