The Role of Entrepreneurial Universities within Innovation Systems. An Overview and Assessment

Nowadays one observes an increasing interest in the entrepreneurial behaviour of universities. In this contribution the role of entrepreneurial universities within national innovation systems is situated. Specific attention is being paid to the alleged presence of unintended side effects on the level of scientific activities, and the role of legislative framework conditions that might foster a more active role of universities in terms of technology development. After reviewing both issues, combining technological and scientific activity does not only seem feasible, it might even be desirable given the ambitions of Europe within the current, global, knowledge economy.