This paper suggests that the core principles contained in the Smart Specialisation concept represent a set of challenges, tensions and opportunities for the position of universities in regional innovation strategies. These potential issues are discussed focusing on three particular elements of...

The paper examines the role of Technology and Innovation Centres (TICs) in bridging the gap between the university research base and industry in order to foster economic development in a lagging industrial region. The context is provided by an academic literature on the role of universities in...