What have universities and other institutions of higher education (HEIs) contributed to the development of regions, in Europe and worldwide, in recent times? What may we expect of the HEIs, and about the development of regions, during the current decade? This follows the global financial crisis – the GFC - in a context of continuing ecological stress and continuing environmental degradation. What part do leading intergovernmental organisations play in all of this – and how about relations between Europe and other parts of a rapidly changing world?

These were questions for the forty participants meeting at the Mid Sweden Office close by the European Commission’s impressive premises in Brussels. Those taking part came from 14 countries on four continents.

Participants were also given the outline of a book to be published by the Manchester University Press. They and others are invited to assist. Please contact co-author Chris Duke if you need a copy, and send your comments and advice.

The meeting discussed twenty-one questions arising from the work of PURE; these are contained in the Report and also available to answer online here.

The full text of the Report is below, followed by a link to the twenty-one questions...