Innovative Players in Economic Development in Europe

Abstract
This article analyses the behaviour of ‘learning’ companies and ‘entrepreneurial’ universities in the context of the territorial and business ecosystems of innovation in which they are involved. Against a background of the fundamental differences between the higher education and the commercial sector, and the history of university—industry cooperation in Europe, the characteristics of territorial ecosystems for innovation (TEIs) are set out and the holistic, networking and interactive models of knowledge and technology transfer are discussed. This analysis provides a conceptual framework for the successful development of territorial ecosystems of innovation which are identified as crucial for future successful European socio-economic development. As concrete examples of activities which contribute towards this end, the authors offer brief case studies of the Economic Development Unit and Innovation Centre at the University of North London and the London Technopole Initiative.

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