THE ROLE OF UNIVERSITIES IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT ON THE EXAMPLE OF POLISH CITIES

Schools of higher education, including universities, can become important landmarks of cities and contribute to sustainable urban development. This study attempts to determine the ways in which universities benefit cities, evaluate the scope of cooperation between territorial governments and universities, identify the main obstacles to cooperation and the preferred objectives of collaborative projects. A survey conducted in Polish university towns revealed that the opportunities stemming from collaboration with universities are not fully harnessed by territorial governments. A survey conducted in Polish university towns revealed that the opportunities stemming from collaboration with universities are not fully harnessed by territorial governments. Cities should undertake active measures to work in concert with universities, promote cooperation between research units and businesses, participate in research projects and co-organize internships for students. Efforts should also be made to overcome the barriers to partnership between local authorities and universities, mainly the lack of cohesive state policies targeting urban development and limited funding.