Abstract

The sprawling of regional universities is related to the paradigm of local development, established over the last few years as a consequence of processes of globalization/regionalization. The functions of the universities for local and regional systems are identified with reference to economic development, cultural processes and local governance. The functions for the economic development of industrial districts and urban systems are in particular taken into consideration, with reference to spinoff and labour market processes. In particular, the interplay of university, industry and government is intended as the crucial resoruce for local strategies, in the age of knowledge economy.