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
- Teachers and trainers
- Whole-school and whole-system approaches and partnerships in education
Description
This report analyzes how universities contribute to innovation, economic growth, and regional development. It explores the “third mission” of universities beyond teaching and research—namely, knowledge transfer to society. Mechanisms include patents, licensing, spin-offs, and especially human capital mobility, such as students and researchers moving into industry.
The study finds strong evidence of regional impact, though effects are highly concentrated in certain sectors and regions. Technology transfer often benefits from geographic proximity and supportive structures like Technology Transfer Offices and science parks. However, a one-size-fits-all model focusing only on patents or spin-offs is insufficient. The report advocates for systemic, long-term policies tailored to national and regional contexts.
Author
Reinhilde Veugelers
Cite as
Veugelers, R. (2014), How to Active Universities as Engines of Growth in Europe?, EENEE Policy Briefing no. 2/2014.
