SKiM - Design business laboratory to support entrepreneurship in the universities and research centers (third mission-TTO)

Abstract

Universities and research centers are traditionally thought of as a place for higher education and research but are also aimed at engaging in dialogue with society to contribute to social, cultural, and economic development. Universities and research centers are called upon to build bridges with businesses, civil society and the territories by leveraging competitiveness. This is the framework in which the “University’s Third Mission” activities are defined. The University’s Third Mission obliges to enhance the human capital trained by universities, research results and innovation, encouraging the creation of new businesses (start-ups) and innovation in senior companies, through the “Open Innovation” (OI) methodology. By involving external entities – such as companies, associations, organizations – and by focusing on the promotion of knowledge outreach and uptake, the academic and research institutions can contribute to the socio-economic development of the territory, while linking for regional strengthening.