Abstract
Given the central role of national planning in South Africa’s current and future development trajectory, John’s presentation is a timely examination of the role higher education can play in national and local development. Key reference will be made to seminal work done by the Organisation for Economic Development (OECD) and the European Commission (EC) in which John has played a leading role. A set of provocative questions will be posed relevant to South Africa’s readiness to build robust ‘quadruple helix’ partnerships between higher education institutions and other key stakeholders such as the state, business/industry and civil society that are needed to underpin the development of a knowledge based economy. Goddard will frankly discuss the drivers and barriers within and outside higher education to building and sustaining such partnerships at national and local levels, as well as the environmental conditions and strategic initiatives which may be needed to overcome the barriers and realise the opportunities.
John is Emeritus Professor of Regional Development Studies at Newcastle University where he was formerly deputy to the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Chris Brink. He is currently heading up an international comparative study on ‘the leadership and management of civic universities’ and advising the European Commission and UK Government on the role of universities in shaping and implementing national and regional ‘smart specialisation ’strategies’. He brings to South African universities, a wealth of international experience and insights which will be of immense value to current debates about the role of higher education in national planning.