A small university and knowledge-based development: a case of Northern Iceland

• Published in: International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development
• Main Author: Edvardsson, Ingi Runar
• Other Authors: Viðskiptafræðideild (HÍ), Faculty of Business Administration (UI), Félagsvísindasvið (HÍ), School of Social Sciences (UI), Háskóli Íslands, University of Iceland
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Inderscience Enterprises Ltd. 2014
• Subjects: Small university; Knowledge based development; Regional innovation dynamism; Case study; Northern Iceland; Háskólar; Norðurland; Tilviksrannsóknir; Þekkingarstjórnun; Akureyri; Iceland; University of Akureyri
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11815/236; https://doi.org/10.1504/IJKBD.2014.063990

The aim of this paper is to outline the progress of the University of Akureyri and its effect on regional development in Northern Iceland during the period of 1987–2012. A case study methodology was used, drawing upon historical material, official sources, and interviews. The main findings are that the university has greatly stimulated knowledge-based development in Northern Iceland. It has enhanced regional innovation dynamism by strengthening human, relational, structural and social capital of the area. This paper has drawn attention to diverse positive effects of a small university with regard to regional- and knowledge-based development. As such, it might serve as a catalyst for further research in this area. Peer Reviewed Ritrýnt tímarit