This book examines the ways in which universities can play a crucial role in inclusive
development social innovation and social entrepreneurship. It aims to prove the importance of
inclusive development and inclusive innovation on economic growth and demonstrate the ways in
which universities can be pioneers in this area through initiatives in social responsibility
and social innovation. For example providing access to a university education without
discrimination of race gender income status or other factors would help to diminish the
increasing income differentials currently being experienced in many countries especially in
the developing world. The research and studies included in this book provide insight into
possible actions that can be taken by universities and public and private shareholders in
inclusive development social innovation social entrepreneurship and overall regional economic
and social development.Innovation is currently considered to be the most important and dynamic
factor explaining growth and development. At the same time the traditional view considering
innovation as having to be commercialized at any price is being challenged. Lately there has
been growing interest in innovation in the public sector particularly with respect to social
innovations designed to reduce income inequality. To address these concepts constant exchange
of ideas and information between research groups became necessary. UniDev (Universities in
Development - the Evolving Role of Academic Institutions in Innovation Systems and Development)
is an international research group with researchers in twelve countries interested in the role
of universities in development. This book features the results of research performed by eleven
research groups from UniDev country communities presenting in-depth and comparative case
studies from universities around the world including Latin America Northern and Eastern
Europe and sub-Saharan Africa. This title will be of interest to students academics
researchers and policy makers interested in the role of universities in development social
innovation and social entrepreneurship.
