Research from PASCAL International Observatory highlights the often uncertain relationship between cities and regions and the higher education institutions (HEIs) located within their regions.  As debates about the role and responsibilities of Universities continue in many countries,   PASCAL’s  international study of universities’ regional engagement (PURE) reveals both a desire on the part of regional authorities in many parts of the world to engage with HEIs, but also an uncertainty about how to develop a successful and sustainable relationship with the higher education sector. For a full report of the study see Duke, Osborne and Wilson (2013).