The main purpose of this study was to investigate the role of the fourth generation university in regional development to achieve this goal, a qualitative approach and descriptive-analytical method were used. Potential participants in the study included experts and scholars in the field of higher education and academics and 25 of them were interviewed semi-structured based on purposive sampling method and theoretical saturation criteria. In order to analyze the data, MAXQDA software and Brown and Clark (2006) theme analysis technique were utilized. Through a six-step process (familiarity with primary data, creation of basic conceptual codes, search and recognition of selective codes, formation of sub-themes, definition and formation of main themes and review) analysis, 141 primary codes were identified, after reviewing and refining which, 82 selective codes were obtained. After reviewing and refining them, 12 sub-themes and 3 main themes were identified. The validity of the data was verified through a review by the interviewees. The findings showed that the fourth generation university (social university) provides the ground for regional development in three areas: socio-cultural, economic and environmental. In the cultural and social spheres, through social development, disseminating of regional values and identity, developing democratic thinking, creating social hope, and participating in civilization, and creating civic commitment plays a role in the development of the region. In the economic field, by creating a knowledge-based economy, the fourth generation university is a stimulant of productive and sustainable regional economy, the development of social entrepreneurship professional and skilled outputs is effective in the development of regions. Finally, in the field of environment, through encouraging a culture of environment preservation, environmental knowledge enhancement and development of environmental technologies, it causes regional development.