This document discusses how universities can leverage smart data and agile collaboration to guide regional economic development. It notes that computing power and network connectivity are accelerating changes and making the future unpredictable. Universities have an opportunity to build platforms that grow trust, collaboration, learning and value by connecting regional assets like research, skilled workers, startups and established companies. Examples are provided of universities that have created data platforms and innovation networks to support technology development and regional decision-making. The document advocates exploring partnerships between universities and other organizations to create collaborative platforms that stimulate growth.