The role of universities in building knowledge cities in Australia

Universities, cities and the development of knowledge have gone hand in hand over the centuries, but currently there is increasing pressure from policy-makers for universities to combine an emphasis on global research excellence with a contribution to the development of the knowledge economy in their host cities. One dimension of this concerns the physical relationship between the university and business, and the design of new precincts where university activities are connected with the city. Two case studies from Australia are presented here where state governments and universities are working together to develop precincts in which research investment is coupled with urban regeneration projects and an increased focus by the universities on engagement.