Universities, knowledge and regional development [Editorial]

The rapid expansion of universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) around the world in recent decades has been followed by growing scrutiny of their role in knowledge production and regional development. This editorial and accompanying themed issue reflect on the importance of placing universities at the centre of regional analysis. They examine why analysis of the stresses and strains permeating universities, knowledge production and regional development continues to provide fertile terrain for researchers to participate in important intellectual endeavours. Finally they highlight the value of regional researchers asking the same demanding questions of the institutions in which they work as they do of others sectors of the economy and society.