This article presents an academic analysis derived from scientific research conducted during the author’s research visit to Ghent University in Ghent, Belgium. The research was carried out as part of the Eureast Platform Fellowship Program. The primary focus of this study revolves around scrutinizing the policies and experiences of leading Flemish universities concerning their regional engagement. The findings highlight the undeniable significance of regional engagement as a fundamental component of the strategic vision and operational endeavors pursued by the top ranked Flemish universities. The study identifies several problematic areas and challenges encountered in the implementation of universities’ policies pertaining to regional engagement. These include the uneven incorporation of the regional context into the educational content, whereby the impact of the regional context predominantly affects the forms and methods of education rather than the transformation of educational strategies. Furthermore, the research identifies the low motivation among scientific and pedagogical staff to undertake research aimed at addressing regional developmental issues. Additionally, the need for substantial resources to foster regional cooperation, the short-term and fragmented nature of projects with limited impact on regional development challenges, the difficulty in achieving long-term synergy and sustainability of regional development initiatives, and the absence of a comprehensive methodology for assessing the research impact on regions are also acknowledged. In light of these findings, the article puts forth a series of recommendations for Ukrainian universities to address, mitigate, and surmount potential problems that may arise during the process of deepening their regional engagement. Firstly, it is proposed to theoretically substantiate and pilot a comprehensive model of regional engagement for universities. Secondly, the development of a comprehensive methodology for evaluating the effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of implemented projects aimed at addressing regional development issues is advocated. Thirdly, the establishment of a system of financial and non-financial incentives for students and academic staff to encourage deeper regional engagement and acknowledge their individual contributions towards solving regional development problems is advised. Moreover, the creation of suitable structures within universities to coordinate and support regionally-oriented initiatives is recommended. Additionally, the establishment of platforms for interaction among stakeholders to ensure complementarity and synergy between projects is encouraged. Finally, the realignment of traditional internal management systems of universities towards participative management systems of regional partnerships is advocated.

У статті, яка є результатом наукових пошуків, які здійснювались під час дослідницького візиту авторки до Гентського університету (м. Гент, Бельгія) в рамках Eureast Platform Fellowship Program, проаналізовано політики та досвід провідних фламандських університетів щодо регіональної залученості. Ідентифіковано проблемні зони та виклики у реалізації цих політик. Сформульовано рекомендації для українських університетів щодо уникнення, нівелювання та подолання ймовірних проблем, які можуть виникати у процесі поглиблення їх регіональної залученості.