ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on Portland State University's (PSU) story in shaping the future of the coastal city of Hoi An by approaching sustainable development processes and practices through a collaborative, solutions-seeking lens that led people on a cross-cultural journey with Vietnamese partners. In addition to urban sustainability, PSU is committed to internationalization and achievement of global excellence. PSU as an institution strives to become a leading public urban university "known for excellence in student learning, innovative research, and community engagement that contributes to the economic vitality, environmental sustainability, and quality of life in the Portland region and beyond." Initial approaches include green growth and job creation, promoting sustainable transportation, developing eco-tourism and environmental preservation, managing urban economic growth, and strengthening urban–rural linkages. In designing the Collaborative, PSU recognized the impact of creating multi-dimensional partnerships between academics and practitioners across disciplines to address complex and dynamic "wicked challenges".
