‘Regional Universities’ and Pedagogy

This book explores the issue of graduate employability in rural labour markets. European higher education institutions are expected to be crucial players in terms of regional innovation, contributing through research, education and formation of human capital. The author asks how this role be played out equally in urban and rural areas. In rural areas, the most educated young members of society often find it impossible to contribute to the local economy and feel forced to seek better prospects in urban centres. The author examines the roles of higher education in rural centres, as well as the transitions from education to work by taking the point of view of students and graduates. Finally, the book offers advice for pedagogies that support the increase of employability potential for rural economies.

​Gigliola Paviotti is Research Fellow at the University of Macerata, Italy. She has worked for more than 20 years in the education and training fields, focusing on employability and transitions from education to work. In recent years, her research has focused on place-based approaches to support graduate employment in local labour markets.