Entrepreneurship, innovation and commercialisation
The role of higher education institutions and universities in the knowledge and innovation system has in recent years been emphasized. This is seen clearly in the amendment to the Higher Education Act adopted on 1st June 2009, where the following paragraph can be found ‘It is the task of the higher education institution to enter into co-operative ventures involving the wider community and inform them about their work as well as striving to ensure that research results come to benefit the community’ (Higher Education Act, Chapter 1 paragraph 2) together with the government’s research and innovation proposition entitled ‘ A lift for research and innovation’ (proposition 2008/09:50).
Commercialization
Linnaeus University pursues active work with the development of an environment for innovation on both campuses. The work is aimed at providing researchers and teachers with knowledge of and an insight into what the commercialization of research results means as well as offering support to individuals who are interested in research commercialization initiatives. The work is organized around numerous activities such as ‘idea scouting’, seminars and workshops, coaching, support in the application process as well as expertise and network development support in conjunction with co-operative partners such as Innovationsbron and Vinnova.
Stimulate entrepreneurship
An additional aim of the work is to stimulate students towards an interest in entrepreneurship and business enterprise as an alternative career path. Initiatives aimed at students will be organized by small business ‘incubators’ (Drivhusen) at a number of locations. The business enterprise organization Drivhuset for example organizes inspiration evenings, guidance sessions and seminars. The innovation environment at each respective higher education institute also includes small business incubators and science parks.
Entrepreneurship is a natural part of the range of degree courses and programmes available. Not only are there degree programmes in entrepreneurship but an extensive range of courses which contain elements of business enterprise are also offered.
Research in entrepreneurship has a strong tradition within Linnaeus University. Research within the entrepreneurship profile is organized into various themes and projects extending over multiple overlapping themes. The research profile has major focal points in areas which are of wider importance for regional, economic and social development.
For more information
To find out more about Linnaeus University’s work involving these questions, feel free to contact:
Anita Hall
Administrator specializing in co-operation and innovation, Växjö
Telephone: +46 470-708028
E-mail: anita.hall_AT_lnu.se
Karin Simu
Project leader, Kalmar
Telephone: +46 480-44 60 51
E-mail: karin.simu_AT_lnu.se