The article discusses current trends in the development strategy of the regional university. A distinctive feature of the presented concept is that the formulation of these trends does not come from the directives of higher authorities, i.e., according to the “above" principle, but is based on the opinions, needs and requirements of the subjects of educational space of universities. The authors draw conclusions on the basis of the social and psychological research, and presents indicators of "attractiveness", allowing to formulate the direction of the development of educational space of the university.