Rethinking the role of universities in place-based innovation policies for sustainability transitions

Territorial manifestations of multiple crises and the shift of place-based innovation policies towards tackling sustainability challenges have far-reaching implications for the role of universities in regional development. Drawing on various literatures on the contributions of universities to regional development, we explore the strategies and practices that would define a revised role for universities in light of increasing environmental, social but also economic challenges. The aim of this concept paper is to outline new tasks for universities, which enable them to leverage their potential to make significant contributions to regional sustainability transition processes and policies