This paper explores the influence of universities in Romania on the activities of local public administration, emphasizing the alignment between administrative activities and their objectives. The study is grounded in the premise that collaboration between local authorities and academic institutions can enhance the achievement of sustainable development goals. The research investigates the extent to which universities contribute to shaping the objectives and activities of local administration. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating the analysis of official public documents with administering questionnaires to local authorities in cities with major university centers across Romania. The anticipated findings are expected to reveal varying levels of university involvement, highlighting the role of academic expertise in policy formulation and the degree to which local administrations leverage the knowledge and resources of nearby academic institutions. This research underscores the potential for stronger university-local administration partnerships to drive more effective and sustainable governance.
