Abstract
Universities are increasingly acting as promoters of innovation, economic growth and regional development, a trend that has attracted the attention of both policy makers and researchers. The objective of this paper is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of higher education institutions as dynamic promoters of growth and development. The University of Porto is used as a case study to explore how universities can act as innovation ecosystems leaders and integrators. The main contributions of the paper are threefold. First, the case puts in evidence a key success factor: the talent to transform the knowledge produced by universities into valuable solutions for companies and other organisations. Second, links between universities and industry must assume a long-term and relational nature rather than an intermittent and transactional character. Finally, the success of university-based ecosystems depends on the integration of a diversity of actors, resources and competences. This means that a sustainable strategy of innovation and knowledge valorisation requires an approach that fosters both internal and external networking.
Highlights
Universities are increasingly focusing their attention on knowledge-based value creation
The objective of the paper is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of innovation ecosystems boosted by higher education institutions as dynamic promoters of growth and development
In order to transform the knowledge generated in its R&D structures into effective solutions useful to companies and other organisations, the university adopts three major approaches (Figure 1): protection and commercialisation of intellectual property, development of joint projects with industry, and creation of spin-offs emerged within its innovation ecosystem
Summary
Universities are increasingly focusing their attention on knowledge-based value creation. With a strategy aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship that began more than two decades ago, the university has achieved significant results In this context, the objective of the paper is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the role of innovation ecosystems boosted by higher education institutions as dynamic promoters of growth and development. Based on the case of the University of Porto, the paper is structured into six sections This is followed by three sections on the core of this case study: transfer of technology, creation of new ventures and incubation. The paper ends with a synthesis of the main contributions of the case, and offers a vision for the future of universities as innovation ecosystems leaders and integrators
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
