THE ROLE OF THE UNIVERSITIES IN A REGIONAL INNOVATION SYSTEM – A COMPARATIVE A’WOT - ANALYSIS

Universities have an important role in regional innovation systems. In this study, we evaluate and compare two different case regional innovation systems (RIS), one located in the north of Romania, in Bucovina area and the other in Ylä-Savo region, in the middle of Finland. Main focus is on how university is contributing to competences of a RIS. We use the A’WOT analysis, which is a hybrid method connecting Multiple Criteria Decision Support (MCDS) methods to SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. The method yields analytical priorities for the factors included in SWOT analysis and makes them commensurable. The research work done was based on experts and actors interviews, which were structured according to principles of the steps of the A’WOT analysis. SMART technique was applied in the A’WOT framework. Both case RIS are described and analysed. The main goal is to improve the theoretical and effective knowledge in the innovations and sustainable development field from a country with tradition: how management models are applied in countries with competitive industry; which are the costs of the marketing and management strategy implementation in companies; which are the obstacles for the entrepreneurs’ development. The study will conclude by recommendations how to develop RIS competences, and especially the role of universities in this aspect.