The role of universities in regional innovation: Theories, methodologies, and research frontiers in Western economic geography

China is currently undergoing a pivotal transition towards an innovation-driven economy, and there is an urgent need for universities to play a more significant role in regional innovation. A systematic review of the relevant theoretical and empirical studies in Western economic geography can provide a scientific basis for China to further clarify the functions of universities in the innovation system and to formulate regional innovation strategies. In this study, the role of universities in regional innovation was first conceptualized from six dimensions: human capital, knowledge transfer, knowledge brokers, entrepreneurial activities, engagement patterns, and innovation effects. These dimensions stem from the three missions of universities, namely teaching, research, and regional development. Second, we analyzed the dominant channels, spatial scales, influencing factors, and corresponding policy implications of universities' engagement in regional innovation by reviewing six theoretical frameworks—the linear innovation model and university knowledge spillover, the nonlinear interactive innovation model and relational university, the regional innovation system and regional innovation system university, the triple helix and entrepreneurial university, the adaptive response and engaged university, and the innovation network and broker university. The contributions of these theoretical frameworks to the study of the six dimensions were then compared. Third, the applicability of three empirical methods—case studies, econometric modeling, and social network analysis—was evaluated in terms of their suitability for conducting research on the six dimensions. Fourth, research frontiers were outlined in terms of the channel complexity and regional heterogeneity of universities' external impacts, and the optimization of theories and methodologies for assessing the role of universities. The extant literature on the theoretical frameworks that inform our understanding of the role of universities in regional innovation presents three major trends: 1) Intellectual property activities in universities have been progressively emphasized, with the objective of emulating the successful practices of a few exemplary universities. 2) The third mission of universities is being expanded by key theoretical frameworks dedicated to meeting the development needs of the host region. 3) Functional distances of universities that influence external regions are gradually being superseded by a regional scale, with the aim of enabling universities to serve local development. Theoretical frameworks on this topic are closely related to development strategies and innovation policy adjustments across countries. Additionally, our findings indicate that the three empirical methods have been extensively employed to investigate the role of universities in regional innovation. However, it is evident that none of these methods can fully address the six dimensions of research simultaneously. Case studies are frequently used to examine engagement patterns, while econometric models offer distinct advantages in the analysis of knowledge transfer and innovation effects. Social network analysis is also gaining prominence in the examination of knowledge transfer and knowledge brokers. As in Western universities and regions, intellectual property activities have become the primary means of knowledge and technology transfer in universities in China. However, the contribution of Chinese universities to regional innovation remains limited. In light of these findings, future research should focus on the Chinese context and regional differences, employing a combination of empirical methods to examine the role of universities in regional innovation.