Values And Mission Approach In University RD Support Programs. An Empirical Comparison Between Florida And East Of Spain Universities

摘要

University R&D approach, entrepreneurship and industry relationship have become a relevant approach in regional development. Recent literature has addressed these aspects from various points of view. A recent published article (Rothaermel, 2006) identified 150 articles in academic journals discussing the university entrepreneurship issue in the past 20 years. Extensive literature has covered also other aspects. The objective of this paper is comparing the approach of two university models. That of those located in the State of Florida versus those in the East of Spain (Valencia region). The analysis has been focused in the values and mission of each university as well as the comparison of the support infrastructure. The work has been based in a number of interviews held with the responsible staff in different areas and an analysis of both the related outputs and infrastructures of all involved universities. This is part of a PhD thesis being developed by the author. The main findings of the paper outline the relevance of various factors: the communication of the university mission, the differences in the managerial structure of the universities; the divergent approaches of the technology transfer offices (TTO) and finally, those related to the creation, start and management of Science Parks. In general the role of an industry focused TTO is fundamental in the final results of the university relationship with its business environment. Although financial aspects have not been covered in detail, there are substantial differences found in both models.