Role of higher education in sustainable development of regions

Abstract

The role of higher educational institutions (HEIs) in sustainable regional development is becoming a subject of attention of researchers and policymakers. Apart from clear inputs such as sustainable education and promotion of renewable energy sources, HEIs can act as partners and consultancies for the local authorities helping them to embark on the path of sustainable economic and social growth. Our paper looks into the role of higher education in sustainable development of regions. We identify HEIs as the hubs of knowledge and know-how spill-overs as well as active players in industry-university connection. Our results confirm the importance of higher education in promoting the decarbonization of economy, helping the transition to the renewables and the creation of wider social acceptance of sustainable development.