The 4th Generation University:
Orchestrating regional innovation and place-based impact
Universities at the center of innovation ecosystems
Sustained innovation and economic growth depend on strong, connected and functioning ecosystems. Universities play a vital role by:
- Generating new knowledge, discoveries and intellectual property.
- Educating future innovators and leaders.
- Supporting entrepreneurship through start-ups and spin-outs.
- Building partnerships across sectors.
- Translating research into outcomes and societal impact.
By bringing together experts, partners, investors and advocates, universities connect ideas, people and institutions to drive progress within their regions and beyond.
Why consider a new university model?
Universities are under pressure to:
- Demonstrate their societal value — especially at the regional or ‘place’ level.
- Build global reputation, while embedding mission-led, regionally-focused strategies into daily operations and long-term planning.
- Respond effectively to shifting external conditions, including evolving regulatory and policy environments, intense competition for talent and funding and rapid technological change.
- Understand, evidence and showcase local impact – how it aligns with national priorities and advances national objectives, reducing reliance on traditional rankings.
The challenge: Traditional bibliometrics have key gaps and don’t fully capture societal impact or how universities shape their regions, economies and societies.
What is a 4th Generation University?
A 4th Generation University (4GU) orchestrates and drives regional innovation, value co-creation and place-based impact through strategic partnerships across industry, government and civil society (the Quadruple Helix). In this model, the university serves as an anchor organization, orchestrating and co-creating with regional partners to transform the regional innovation ecosystem and deliver real-world impact.
The 4GU framework
The 4th Generation University model brings together four interconnected dimensions:
Governance
Leadership embeds innovation and regional development into the institution’s mission and strategy.
Education
Co-creating learning environments that build the skills needed to address societal challenges and evolving regional needs.
Research
Conducting research with regional partners to cocreate knowledge and deliver impact.
Value co-creation
Actively collaborating with industry, government and civil society to advance regional development.
The 4th Generation University Community
A global network of ecosystem partners driving the future of regional innovation
A community that brings together universities and their ecosystem partners who share a commitment to strengthening regional innovation ecosystems and driving societal impact.
The 4GU community is designed for university leaders and individuals from universities, corporations and government agencies — across senior leadership, innovation, engagement and strategy roles — who are interested in advancing their innovation ecosystems and driving regional development.
- Free and open to universities and individuals
- 150+ members across 50+ countries
- Led by a global, independent board of university leaders
Why join the community?
Members connect with like-minded organizations and thought leaders to build connections and explore how universities can strengthen their role in innovation ecosystems to drive regional development.
Learn from global best practice
Share experiences and gain insights from other community members to fast-track success and build strong innovation ecosystems.
Build meaningful partnerships
Connect with organizations across academia, industry, government and civil society that are committed to developing sustainable and effective innovation ecosystems.
Explore new approaches to regional innovation & societal impact
Discuss how universities can better demonstrate and communicate their contributions to regional development and societal value.
Engage with a network of innovation leaders
Participate in discussions, events and peer learning opportunities.
Achieve progress no matter where you are on the journey
Join the community
Learn, connect and shape the future of the 4GU concept and community.
Alignment application (Launching 2026)
Apply to become an aligned university member through a structured, expert-reviewed assessment by the 4GU board.
Elsevier is a key industry partner within the 4GU community, working to co-develop and test new indicators, identify data sources that advance the community’s goals, and develop products and services that better serve its members, including:
- The 4GU Tool – A web-based product that delivers dynamic insights into innovation and place-based impact across the 4GU dimensions.
- The 4GU Alignment Report – An evaluation report across selected 4GU indicators to help institutions understand their alignment with the 4GU concept.
- 4GU Consultancy – In-depth support for institutions seeking to develop 4GU capabilities and build successful, functioning regional innovation ecosystems.
Join the 4th Generation University community at 4thgenuniversity.com
