In the context of global economic and financial crisis, OECD countries are seeking to mobilize HEIs to support their economic, social and cultural development more strongly. HEIs can play a key role in human-capital development and innovation systems and can help their cities and regions become more innovative and globally competitive.

The OECD Reviews of Higher Education in Regional and City Development assist local and regional governments and HEIs to achieve that objective. Since 2005, OECD/IMHE has reviewed 29 regions in 19 countries. The reviews have benefited from collaboration with OECD Directorates, programs, and partners such as the World Bank, UNESCO, the Inter-American Development Bank (IADB), the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems (NCHEMS), and the Lumina Foundation.

The second round of the OECD reviews in 2008-10 took the reviews to new geographical areas in OECD countries and emerging economies. One of the regions reviewed is the Autonomous Region of Andalusia, and this conference will take place in its regional capital, Seville.

Drawing on the OECD reviews and other studies conducted by the OECD, this conference will look at innovative ways that HEIs can best contribute to making their cities and regions stronger, cleaner, and fairer. It will highlight key issues in human-capital development and innovation and identify ways of transforming universities.