Transformation of approaches to studying the impact of universities and regions on each other’s development

Aim. The work aimed to examine the key stages in the evolution of approaches to studying the impact of universities and regions on each other’s development.
Objectives. The work seeks to identify and systematize the key stages in the evolution of approaches to studying the impact of universities and regions on each other’s development; to analyze critically the existing approaches; to identify current trends; to justify the need to improve the methods and tools for analyzing and assessing the degree of mutual development between universities and regions, including for the purpose of adapting and improving the effectiveness of the competitive strategies of modern universities.
Methods. Using general methods of scientific knowledge, the factors and mechanisms of the influence of the university and the region on the development of each other are examined in various aspects. These factors are of particular research interest due to the implementation by institutions of the higher education sector of educational, scientific research, innovative and other functions that influence the socio-economic processes in the territory of presence and beyond.
Results. A systems analysis of Russian and international studies identified and characterized key stages in the transformation of approaches to studying the mutual impact of universities and regions on each other’s development. Shortcomings of theoretical and analytical-evaluative approaches are identified, and existing trends are traced. The need to expand the theoretical and methodological framework for analyzing and assessing the mutual development of universities and regions is argued, including for the purpose of adapting development strategies and competitive behavior in the changing higher education market, taking into account the region’s priority areas of socio-economic development.
Conclusions. The article substantiates the assertion that the relationship between universities and regions influences the adaptation of the latter’s development strategies, integrating competitive trends in the higher education market into the overall socio-economic development of the region in order to obtain additional benefits (resource availability, joint projects and programs, business involvement, commercialization and diffusion of innovations, etc.).

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