Meric Gertler: Why Cities and Universities Need Each Other

Meric Gertler: Why Cities and Universities Need Each Other

From The Century of Cities by Prof. Greg Clark CBE & Jennifer Dolynchuk

June 8, 2026 · 33 min · Season 2 · Episode 20

About this episode

Meric Gertler discusses the evolving relationship between cities and universities as essential partners in addressing urban challenges.

Meric Gertler, former President of the University of Toronto and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at the School of Cities, joins The Century of Cities to reflect on the remarkable evolution of cities and the institutions that help shape them. He recalls a time when cities were widely viewed as unmanageable, financially strained, and in decline, before emerging as globally recognized engines of innovation, talent, and economic dynamism. Meric explores the growing role of universities as civic institutions, innovation hubs, and catalysts for urban problem-solving. From climate action and entrepreneurship to talent development and global collaboration, he argues that universities are uniquely positioned to help cities navigate an increasingly complex future. His outlook is characteristically optimistic: cities remain among humanity's most resilient inventions, and their future will be shaped by the strength of the partnerships they forge across sectors, disciplines, and communities

People in this episode

Hosts: Prof. Greg Clark CBE, Jennifer Dolynchuk

Guest: Meric Gertler

Topics covered

  • cities
  • universities
  • innovation
  • urban problem-solving
  • economic dynamism
  • climate action

Keywords

  • cities
  • universities
  • innovation hubs
  • urban development
  • economic growth
  • climate action
  • talent development

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: University of Toronto, School of Cities

Places: Toronto

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