A 4th Generation University orchestrates regional innovation ecosystems, achieving societal and economic impact through partnerships with industry, government, and civil society.

The region in which a university is orchestrating the ecosystem will typically be only a part of the university’s country, although it might cross the borders with nearby countries. 

A university may have more than one region but will not have many regions.

The combination of industry, government and civil society, and their interactions which aim to tackle societal challenges and catalyse regional economic growth 

Industry is defined as commercial enterprise of any size or industrial specialism operating with headquarters or branch operations in the region 

Government is defined as local, state or federal/national governmental organisations that make policy and regulations governing the region 

Civil society is defined as civic associations, community groups, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), charitable and/or faith-based organizations, and other associations and foundations that represent the citizens of the region, and also individual citizens as a collective.

University representatives are embedded in strategic decision-making groups that drive the focus, direction and competitiveness of the region. This itself is embedded in the strategy of the university.

Participation of university via education, research, valorisation and governance, in line with the strategic vision for the ecosystem.

Yes. While universities must have regional impact to be a 4th Generation University, it does not mean that they only have a regional impact; they can also have a global agenda.

No, other discipline-focused universities like Health and Social Sciences, are also welcome to become a 4th Generation University.  

The indicators explored to date have focused on natural sciences, but the intention is to broaden these in future.

No, universities small and large, new or old, niche or broad-based can be a 4th Generation University; they simply have to be recognised academic degree-awarding institution, or research university.