CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Driving Innovation Ecosystems: The Role of Fourth Generation Universities
Overview: This workshop, organized by Elsevier, will look into driving action through knowledge and partnerships. In an era where knowledge, innovation, and
partnership are vital components of sustainable economic growth, the concept of the "Fourth Generation University" (4GU) has gained prominence as a transformative model for Higher
Education institutions.
4GUs are characterized by their active engagement in fostering innovation ecosystems, and bridging academia to industry, government, and civil
society (the so-called 'Quadruple Helix' model). This workshop aims to explore the characteristics of these universities, examine how their attributes might be effectively measured,
and will invite discussion as to their applicability within local contexts, such as the Middle East.
Participants will be introduced to the core features that distinguish
4GUs, including their entrepreneurial orientation, partnership models and their role as catalysts for regional development through skills and R&D. The session will explore some of
the work that Elsevier, together with 12 founding academic partners, has initiated to understand the 4GU concept in detail and to recognise the different ways that universities
contribute to regional ecosystems.
SDG Alignment: The workshop aligns with:
Objectives:
This interactive session aims to inspire higher education leaders, policymakers, and partners to consider the role of universities as engines of regional innovation and growth,
ultimately contributing to a more resilient and dynamic knowledge economy.
Ultimately, this Elsevier-organized workshop provides university leaders, policymakers, and researchers with actionable frameworks to design, implement, and scale innovation-led
initiatives that generate tangible benefits for their communities—advancing both regional development and the global Sustainable Development Goals.