Universities, Knowledge and Places

This book is a memorial to Professor Paul Benneworth who died in 2020 at the age of 46, but also a review of the current state of the art in work on universities and place, identifying important new directions for research. The book showcases Paul’s contribution, authored by those who worked with him, engaging with key ideas that Paul pursued and on which he was actively working.

The chapters are grouped around three main themes. The first theme is focused on universities, cities and regions and examines the ways in which universities are embedded in place, with a particular emphasis on the governance of university-place relations and an international set of examples and case studies. This includes cross-institutional partnerships and also the physical consequences of university locations. A second theme is around local and global networks including the knowledge exchange process involving the university and business. These networks include social dynamics and social enterprise, as well as the role of academic diaspora in international knowledge exchange. The third theme then looks at regions and leadership and the strategic role of different stakeholders in place development. The book also includes a summary of Paul’s life and work and a list of his writings.

David Charles is Professor of Enterprise and Innovation at Newcastle Business School, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.

Lisa Nieth is Partner at Technopolis Germany.

Lars Coenen is Professor in Innovation and Sustainability Transitions at the Mohn Centre for Innovation and Regional Development, Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway.

Ridvan Cinar is Associate Professor of Innovation and Regional Development at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences, Bergen, Norway.