University-business cooperation : EU-level initiatives & on-the-ground implementation

Over the past decades, increasing cooperation between higher education institutions and the wider economy has been a central goal of European as well as national policy makers alike. The potential benefits of such cooperation are manifold and can materialise in a variety of interconnected areas. Universities are at the heart of the 'knowledge triangle' of research, innovation and education, and business and universities can mutually benefit from cooperation in each of these areas. Through the advancement of research frontiers and the production of knowledge, universities can spark new innovative ideas in businesses, and businesses in turn can point research to potential applications of research findings in practice. At the same time, universities can provide key skills for businesses that are necessary for generating innovation and entrepreneurship, while businesses can in turn inform universities of the skills required by firms in the wide labour market. In the areas of research and innovation, as well as education, a multitude of strategic objectives have been set by the European Union. For example, the New European Innovation Agenda (NEIA) emphasises the importance of university-industry collaboration in the production, valorisation and diffusion of new knowledge. It defines fostering, attracting, and retaining deep tech talents as one of the key flagship actions to grow the talent pool in Europe, and to support innovation for competitiveness and inclusive growth.