The purpose of this PASCAL Special Interest Group (SIG) is to examine the interface between PASCAL and the public policy sectors. While this topic is a very broad it cuts across sectors and issues, including innovative resource sharing and the role of institutions of higher education, and those organizations that develop policy. It includes the development of intercultural activity.

In this first issue, the theme of Competitiveness and the Economy and the role of the University and the public sector regarding the development of a city/region, including social capital, are explored.

PASCAL SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP
Public Sector Interface

Theme: Competitiveness and the Economy

Issue One: March 2016

Ilpo Laitinen, of the city of Helsinki (Finland) and Chair of the SIG, reexamines social capital, social cohesion and economic development of a region. He reminds us that the activities of a knowledge economy differ fundamentally from those of an industrial period. Universities play a vital role in its local economy and its community. Universities are an anchor urban institution and he poses the question:  “how do cities/regions engage with universities newly called to be engines for regeneration and city/region development – including economic development and social capital?

Peter Welsh, (United Kingdom) tackles interface, dynamics and application of university research for the benefit of the public sector. He examines the relationship between local government and the Higher Education Research Community. His case initiatives provide valuable insight into the relationship between the research communities.

Dermot Coughlan (Ireland) focuses on the Higher Education Sector in the development of Intercultural Society. He examines what might be viewed as contributing to “The Public Sector” and at times perhaps to take an alternative view of what it is and how it is attained. He showcases the University of Limerick and how it represents a collective commitment to creating and sustaining an outstanding and distinctive learning environment for students.

The full text of this issue is featured below and attached...

Dr Leone Wheeler

Content Editor