Presentation

It is widely believed that higher education institutions (HEI) increase the competitiveness of a region through improvements to human resources, knowledge creation and technology transfer. This paper analyses the evolution, embeddedness in regional structures and contribution to leadership of Estonian regional HEIs. The conceptual framework combines Institutional and Complexity Leadership theories for creating a typology of regional HEIs. The empirical material is based on survey data and interviews. It appears that in order to be successful, HEI leaders have to act not only as educators but also as proactive institutional entrepreneurs, shaping regional strategies and institutions as well as national policies.