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

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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

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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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