An Empirical Approach

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Re-Building University Capabilities

Abstract

The universities’ innovation capabilities depend on internal, structural, and contextual factors. This study explores the European Union case which, through a series of initiatives, organizations, and public agendas, aims to foster university innovation ecosystem. These objectives are not exempt from difficulties and challenges; in this chapter, we analyze the European Union case as a territory that has implemented collaborative innovation capacity-building programs among countries, universities, and public–private organizations. By using data from the European University Association, the European Commission, and Eurostat, we provide insights about the university innovation capabilities panorama. Results show that funding stands out as one of the main filters/barriers for the materialization of innovative capabilities, solutions and research. In addition, results reveal inclusivity and sustainability challenges regarding university innovation capabilities. Interestingly, the chapter provides interesting insights regarding the public policy and management approach adopted by the European Union governments to facilitate university sustainable innovation capabilities.

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Notes

  1. 1.

    For further information, visit: https://european-union.europa.eu/priorities-and-actions/actions-topic/research-and-innovation_es

  2. 2.

    Methodological note: The survey was divided into five sections comprising 32 open-ended, ranking, multiple and single-choice questions covering a wide variety of topics related to innovation at universities. The survey was open from 4 May to 28 June 2021. It was preceded by a pilot phase involving six organizations of different sizes, profiles and geographical locations. This study obtained 166 valid responses from organizations in 28 European countries. Concretely, of the total 166 responses, 134 are from EUA members, and 32 from non-member organizations. For further details, review European University Association (2022a, p. 12) and (Kozirog et al., 2022).

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Acknowledgments

Claudia Yáñez-Valdés acknowledges the financial support during her Ph.D. studies from the Facultad de Economía y Negocios at the Universidad del Desarrollo in Chile, as well as from the ANID [Agencia Nacional de Investigacion y Desarrollo en Chile].

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Yáñez-Valdés, C., Guerrero, M., Dabić, M. (2023). An Empirical Approach. In: Guerrero, M., Dabić, M. (eds) Re-Building University Capabilities. Applied Innovation and Technology Management. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-31667-8_6

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