Concept of a University Town

This part examines the evolving concept of the university town, outlining its potential advantages and the specific challenges it entails. It identifies the primary stakeholders for such initiatives and highlights the university town’s strategic importance in fostering sustainable urban development. In particular, it situates the discussion within the context of post-Soviet Central Asia, where universities are increasingly expected to function not only as centres of learning but also as catalysts for economic diversification, social transformation, and climate resilience.