Academics and professionals alike are increasingly focusing their attention on the role of universities in stimulating urban and regional development. Contemporary universities are driving the development of economic and innovation ecosystems and play a key role in the transition to a new technological order.

The key areas for discussion are:

• The challenges and opportunities facing a contemporary university and the search for a strategy that accommodates multiple missions;
• University development: is there an alternative to rankings?
• Universities in the context of regional development: towards a fourth university mission;
• The search for interdisciplinary balance: the new role of social sciences and humanities;
• Demand for modern qualifications: moving towards a new model of universities and labour market cooperation;
• Development standards of the innovative entrepreneurship university;
• Business school mission in a contemporary university;
• Smart cities: cooperation of universities and cities;