A community-centered perspective on community–university engagement and local development in Southeastern Europe

In a time of growing inequality and social isolation, community-university engagement (CUE) is becoming a priority among university administrators and social development stakeholders faced with increased pressure to find solutions to the grand challenges of our time. The existing literature scarcely documents the benefits of such programs on local communities. This study examines the experiences of 211 CUE partners from Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), Croatia, and Kosovo and their perceived impact on local development. The findings provide insight into community stakeholders’ experiences working with universities, expanding the CUE literature beyond Western voices. It highlights the role of CUE in strengthening local capacity for development.