role of universities for economic development in urban poles chris wilson, runup project manager...

Role of Universities for Economic Development in Urban PolesChris Wilson, RUnUP Project ManagerThematic Network Event, Águeda, Portugal

24th June 2009

URBACT II: 2007-2013

› A European programme of territorial cooperation on integrated and sustainable urban development

› European programme to exchange experience and good practice

› An exchange platform used to set up Thematic Networks and Working Groups, known as ‘Projects’

› Disseminate good practices and lessons learned from exchanges to all European cities

Role of Universities for Economic Development in Urban Poles – 24 June 2009 – Page 1

What is RUnUP?

› Role of Universities for Economic Development

in Urban Poles

› The role of Universities in promoting entrepreneurship

› URBACT Local Support Groups (ULSGs)

› Participation of Managing Authorities

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RUnUP Thematic Network

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Overall Objectives

› Develop comprehensive programmes to drive forward economic development

› Provide structured support to businesses

› Ensure University curricula meet the skills needs of local businesses

› Influence on local urban sustainable practices and policies

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Thematic Work Areas

› RUnUP thematic work areas will be delivered by various work packages and actions:

Theme 1: Understanding the economy

Theme 2: Role of local authorities

Theme 3: Knowledge exchange and technology transfer

Theme 4: Stimulating knowledge-based activities

Role of Universities for Economic Development in Urban Poles – 24 June 2009 – Page 5

Thematic Work Areas

› Resulting in the delivery of key outputs and results across the whole network:

Local Action Plans

Transferable training programmes

Best Practice Compendium

Talent attraction and retention strategies

Personal and business location programme

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