ABSTRACT
The chapter discusses the significant role universities can play in sustainable development by integrating interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research to solve current urban problems. The common practice for students has been to continue their education in the best universities, often abroad, that is students traveled to another country to study in a known high ranked university to pursue their goals and change their future. Applying transdisciplinary approaches to research is one of the main distinctive factors of smart education and smart development; as it engages stakeholders and subsequently brings multiple expertise and perspectives to a project. Some universities have already started integrating smart technologies and smart education in their curriculum and educational system. The indicative link between smart cities and university ranks, and extensive econometric evidence suggest that universities are central to smart cities.
