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

Authors: Ingi Runar Edvardsson

Addresses: School of Business, University of Iceland, Gimli at Saemundargata, 101 Reykjavik, Iceland

Abstract: 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.

Keywords: small universities; knowledge-based development; KBD; regional innovation; regional dynamism; case study; Iceland; higher education; regional development.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKBD.2014.063990

International Journal of Knowledge-Based Development, 2014 Vol.5 No.2, pp.131 - 151

Received: 12 Nov 2013
Accepted: 19 Mar 2014
Published online: 30 Aug 2014 *

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