Details
- Publication date
- 16 January 2014
- Authors
- Directorate-General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture | European Expert Network on Economics of Education (EENEE)
- Geographical scope
- European Union
- Level of education focus
- Adult education
- Higher education
- Thematic areas covered
- Digital education and technological innovation
- Education-to-work transitions, education and labour market
- Governance of education
- International mobility
- Investment in education, economic impact of education
- Lifelong learning
- Monitoring and quality assurance
- Quality and inclusive education for all
- Skills development
- Whole-school and whole-system approaches and partnerships in education
Description
This report examines how universities contribute to innovation, economic performance, and regional development across Europe. It identifies three key mechanisms: research outputs, technology transfer, and human capital mobility.
While traditional focus is often on patents and spin-offs, the report argues that the most important contribution of universities is the production of skilled graduates who diffuse knowledge throughout the economy. Additionally, collaborative networks with firms and regional institutions amplify impact.
The strength of university contributions varies significantly by region, depending on institutional frameworks, labour markets, and innovation systems. University-industry cooperation is most effective when supported by policy incentives, flexible governance, and active local ecosystems.
Case studies suggest that top-down mandates for commercialization often fail, whereas autonomy and capacity building lead to stronger outcomes. Metrics and accountability systems must be adapted to reflect broad, not just market-based, contributions.
The report concludes that universities’ roles go beyond technology transfer—they are systemic actors in regional innovation, requiring policy approaches that combine excellence in teaching, research, and engagement.
Authors
Reinhilde Veugelers (with support from Elena Del Rey)
Cite as
Veugelers, R., Del Rey, E. (2014), The contribution of universities to innovation, (regional) growth and employment, EENEE report.
