The contribution of universities to innovation, (regional) growth and employment

The main objective of this study is to provide a review of the literature and evidence on the contributions of universities to innovation and employment. While teaching and research are the first and second stream of activities of universities, a third stream of activities is the contribution of universities to society by transferring their know-how. This third stream of activities builds upon the first and second, but it is increasingly being seen as important and distinctive in its own right, deserving of specific policies and resources to ensure their effective functioning. This line...  [+] Show more

The main objective of this study is to provide a review of the literature and evidence on the contributions of universities to innovation and employment. While teaching and research are the first and second stream of activities of universities, a third stream of activities is the contribution of universities to society by transferring their know-how. This third stream of activities builds upon the first and second, but it is increasingly being seen as important and distinctive in its own right, deserving of specific policies and resources to ensure their effective functioning. This line of activities is the main subject of this report.

Excerpts from publication.