Regional universities have an important role to play in shaping the cities and towns they call home, according to a visiting Scottish expert.
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Professor Sir Peter Downes was vice chancellor of the University of Dundee which has helped reshape the industrial city in Scotland.
In Ballarat to meet with Federation University management and staff about how universities can contribute beyond education and be key partners in developing cities and regional economies, Prof Downes also addressed a Committee for Ballarat breakfast on Thursday.
During his visit, Prof Downes drew parallels between Ballarat and Dundee.
"They're both very clearly post-industrial cities - different industries but with a very similar timescale of history of post-industrial decline. They're both places that have ambition and aspirations to be vibrant town cities within a larger region," he said.
"The other thing we have in common is the universities have key resources that can contribute beyond education to be key partners and stakeholders in helping to develop city and regional economies."
The city of Dundee is experiencing a resurgence, in part the result of a bold move by the university to approach the renowned V&A Museum in London to suggest they establish their first museum outside of Britain's capital, in their regional city.
At the outset there was little hope of such a project actually happening, but 12 years later the V&A Dundee, Scotland's first design museum, opened in a landmark building on the River Tay.
Professor Downes said the ambition of universities, and the staff and students within, was a key to helping build strong ties and the economies of the regional cities where they are located.
"What is often not recognised is the extensive network that universities have - they are often the most internationally connected business in a regional context and act like a funnel to attract talented individuals, many of whom stay in the region, contribute to the business environment and bring other skills, their families and a sense of commitment to the city and region."
"Rather than seeing it as a place to hang out for a few years and move on, universities are very much an anchor organisation that helps create that sense of commitment," he said.
"And they're a major employer and usually a big contributor in their own right to the economic status of the region."
Federation University employs about 1000 staff, making it one of Ballarat's biggest employers.
"Sir Peter has been instrumental in the rejuvenation and renewal of central Dundee. His work on 'magnet cities' - cities that are not global capitals yet have unique attributes - offer many ideas and opportunities for Ballarat and other regional cities," said Federation University vice chancellor Professor Helen Bartlett.
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