Background and Introduction -- In Search of Excellence? An International Perspective on Governance of University Research -- Evolving Role of Universities in Economic Development: The Case of University-Industry Linkages -- Brazil: Universities and their Contribution to Innovation and Development -- Uruguguay: Higher Education, National System of Innovation and Economic Development in a Small Peripheral Country -- Cuba: University, Innovation and Society–Higher Education in the National System of Innovation -- Vietnam: Current Debates on the Transformation of Academic Institutions -- China: Challenges for Higher Education in a High Growth Economy -- Tanzania: The Evolving Role of Universities in Economic Development -- South Africa: Reforming Higher Education and Transforming the National System of Innovation -- Latvia: Repositioning of Academic Institutions in a Catching-Up Country -- Russia: Universities in the Context of Reforming the National Innovation System -- Germany: The Role of Universities in the Learning Economy -- Denmark: Higher Education Challenges for a Small Learning Economy -- The Role of Academic Institutions in the National System of Innovation and the Debate in Sweden -- The Role of the Three Missions of Universities–A Synthesis of Unidev Project Findings.

Globalization, the information age, and the rise of the knowledge-based economy are significantly transforming the way we acquire, disseminate, and transform knowledge. And, as a result, knowledge production is becoming closer and more directly linked to economic competitiveness. This evolution is also putting new and urgent demands on academic institutions to adjust to the changing needs of society and economy. In particular, there is growing pressure on the institutions of higher education and research in developed economies to find and affirm their new role in the national innovation system. Their counterparts in developing economies need to define their role in supporting emerging structures of the innovation system. This book examines the role of universities and national research institutes in social and economic development processes. Featuring contributions that showcase initiatives and innovations from around the world, including China, Eastern Europe, Latin America, Scandinavia, Southeast Asia, sub-Saharan Africa, and Western Europe, it offers timely insight that will be of interest to policymakers, university administrators, economic and social leaders, and researchers alike.