Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) Graz-Styria A process of mobilization facing regional challenges Clemens Mader and Friedrich M. Zimmermann Institute of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Graz, Austria Gerald Steiner Institute for System Science, Innovation and Sustainability Research, University of Graz, Graz, Austria, and Filippina Risopoulos Institute of Geography and Regional Science, University of Graz, Graz, Austria Abstract Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to present how the Regional Centres of Expertise (RCE) Graz-Styria as well as RCEs as instruments can contribute to regional development. The RCE Graz-Styria is representing a case study of Central European RCEs. Design/methodology/approach – The paper describes the development process of RCE Graz-Styria. Regional challenges to strengthen sustainable regional development have been investigated by literature review and interviews with regional actors. Findings – The paper discusses challenges of establishing an RCE and describes how an RCE can face regional and global challenges by innovative actions. Practical implications – The paper provides an insight of the establishment of the RCE Graz-Styria. Readers who would like to establish an RCE in their own region can learn from the process of RCE Graz-Styria. The reader has to take into account that the regional challenges might be different, and thus the RCE Graz-Styria is a role model regarding its management structure for RCEs based at universities. Originality/value – By 2008 and since 2006, every year more than ten new RCEs have been officially acknowledged by the United Nations University. Specially for those new RCEs coming in the next years, which can learn from reading about different management structures and different challenges experienced by different RCEs. For already established RCEs, RCE case studies are useful not only for learning from other RCEs but also for getting in contact with RCEs with common interests and initiating common projects. Keywords Centres of excellence, Education, Sustainable development, Regional development, Austria Paper type Case study Introduction A Regional Centre of Expertise (RCE) on education for sustainable development (ESD) is a network of existing formal, non-formal and informal education organizations, mobilized to deliver education for sustainable development to local and regional communities. A network of RCEs worldwide will constitute the “Global Learning Space for Sustainable Development” (UNU, 2008). Within this paper we will focus on IJSHE 9,4 402 Received 8 May 2008 Revised 27 May 2008 Accepted 9 June 2008 International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education Vol. 9 No. 4, 2008 pp. 402-415 q Emerald Group Publishing Limited 1467-6370 DOI 10.1108/14676370810905517