Beyond Function: Does Academia Contribute?

Abstract

During the last decades, the notion of entrepreneurial universities has gained in terms of interest and importance. Whereas the second academic revolution connected educational activities of universities to research, the idea of the third mission stresses the societal impact of universities (for an overview and illustrations, see Rothaermel et al., 2007; Debackere & Veugelers, 2006; Van Looy et al., 2011; Audretsch, 2012).

Part of this societal impact pertains to the transfer of scientific knowledge to economic realms by means of contract research, patents (IP) and even the formation of new ventures, the so-called academic spin offs. Currently, numerous universities report on these third mission activities by providing indicators reflecting knowledge transfer. Among these indicators, patents figure prominently (see also Reuters’ ranking of innovative universities).

Keywords: Academia contributes, entrepreneurial universities, Rothaermel, Debackere, Veugeler, IP