The report on best practices in entrepreneurship from the European project NEOLAiA highlights the increasingly crucial role that universities play in shaping regional innovation ecosystems. Far from being simple training centers, academic institutions are transforming into true engines of economic development, supporting the creation of new businesses, the commercialization of research, and collaboration with industry.
Stakeholder Needs and Future Opportunities
The report analyzes the needs of key stakeholders:
- Entrepreneurs and businesses: They require easier access to research and less bureaucratic collaboration with universities. They need a skilled workforce with advanced technical skills and support to maintain a competitive advantage.
- Students: They seek practical experiences, access to professional networks, and support to turn their ideas into reality.
Training and Skills: The New Frontiers of Learning
Entrepreneurship training is no longer limited to business courses. Universities are integrating entrepreneurial education into various disciplines, from humanities to engineering, through innovative teaching methodologies such as project-based learning and practical labs.
The report highlights that entrepreneurial skills, as defined by the European framework EntreComp, are not just about starting a business, but are fundamental transversal skills for personal and professional success. These range from the ability to identify opportunities and creativity to resource management and mobilizing others.
To bridge the gap between education and the job market, universities promote extracurricular activities such as business plan competitions, hackathons, and collaborations with companies and start-ups. The University of Ostrava, for example, offers students mentoring opportunities and acceleration programs through its Center for Knowledge and Technology Transfer.
Infrastructure and Strategies: The Foundations of Success
A key element that emerged from the research is the importance of dedicated institutional infrastructure. Many universities, such as the University of Nicosia and the University of Tours, have developed entrepreneurship centers, incubators, and technology transfer offices that offer concrete support to students and researchers who aspire to become entrepreneurs. These structures provide resources, mentorship, consulting services, and access to funding, acting as a bridge between academic research and the business world.
For instance, the University of Tours has established the Pépite Centre-Val de Loire hub to promote student entrepreneurship, while the University of Salerno has launched the SEIUNISA program to support students’ innovative projects.
The report concludes that universities have the opportunity to have an even greater impact by aligning their research and study programs with the specific needs of local industries. By strengthening partnerships with the private sector and public administrations, universities can attract investments, create jobs, and stimulate sustainable, long-term economic growth.
