The economic and innovation contribution of universities: a regional perspective

HUGGINS, Robert and JOHNSTON, Andrew (2009). The economic and innovation contribution of universities: a regional perspective. Environment and Planning C: Government and Policy, 27 (6), 1088-1106.

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Abstract

Universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) have come to be regarded as key sources of knowledge utilisable in the pursuit of economic growth. Although there have been numerous studies assessing the economic and innovation impact of HEIs, there has been little systematic analysis of differences in the relative contribution of HEIs across regions. This paper provides an exploration of some of these differences in the context of the UK’s regions. Significant differences are found in the wealth generated by universities according to regional location and type of institution. Universities in more competitive regions are generally more productive than those located in less competitive regions. Also, traditional universities are generally more productive than their newer counterparts, with university productivity positively related to knowledge commercialisation capabilities. Weaker regions tend to be more dependent on their universities for income and innovation, but often these universities under-perform in comparison to counterpart institutions in more competitive regions. It is argued that uncompetitive regions lack the additional knowledge infrastructure, besides universities, that are more commonly a feature of more competitive regions.

Item Type:	Article
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School Research Institute > People, Work and Organisation
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School > Department of Management
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.1068/c08125b
Page Range:	1088-1106
Depositing User:	Andrew Johnston
Date Deposited:	19 Apr 2013 15:23
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 04:23
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/6898

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