Support has been given by three universities to proposals for a mayoral strategic authority covering the Thames Valley.
The University of Reading, Oxford Brookes University and the University of the Built Environment believe the arrangement could support innovation, employment and long-term economic development across the area.
Under the proposal, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Swindon would be represented by one regional authority.
Its responsibilities would include enhanced authority and financial resources for transport, infrastructure, housing and investment.
Robert Van de Noort, the University of Reading’s vice-chancellor, said the Thames Valley faced a significant opportunity and that universities should have a central role in delivering it.
He maintained that effective devolution would require a mayor with meaningful powers and resources, supported by organisations familiar with the region and its existing delivery work.
According to Van de Noort, the University of Reading’s influence extends beyond its own campuses.
Its former students hold leadership and management positions in organisations throughout the area.
The university also supplies business premises and space for leading institutions to develop new ideas, generate employment and expand exports.
Researchers collaborate with residents to put findings into practical use and address regional challenges.
The three institutions said they provide education for tens of thousands of students and maintain relationships with employers ranging from small businesses to large organisations.
Helen Laville, Oxford Brookes University’s vice-chancellor, said universities have long brought students, employees, academics, companies and civic leaders together to develop new ideas.
Oxford Brookes has campuses in Oxford and Swindon, and Laville said a regional alliance would broaden the knowledge, specialist expertise and connections available across the Thames Valley.
Greater cooperation among universities, local authorities and businesses is expected to help devolution produce clear benefits for regional communities and organisations.
Jane Fawkes is serving as interim vice-chancellor at the University of the Built Environment.
She said economic growth should involve more than an increase in overall output and should instead create successful places in which residents can live and work, while ensuring opportunities benefit communities across the area.
The University of the Built Environment already works alongside industry to train the skilled workforce required to construct housing and infrastructure through education and apprenticeship programmes.
Fawkes said the universities could combine their capabilities to address shortages in regional skills, encourage innovation and advance a more sustainable economy.
A mayoral election could be held as early as 2028.
The universities have said they anticipate working with councils, businesses and community organisations as proposals for the Thames Valley Mayoral Strategic Authority progress.