Regional Innovation Anders Malmberg, Professor of Economic Geography Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Uppsala University Coimbra Group High-level Seminar “Horizons 2015: First Experiences, Emerging Expectations” San Servolo, October 2014 Panel on Cohesion and Regional Innovation

Innovations processes in general Why universities should engage in innovation support and strategic collaboration A few examples of Uppsala University activities in this area Outline

Basic driver of long-term competitiveness Broad definition: novelty taken into use New combinations: = 3 Interactive approach: networks, competence blocs, innovation systems Spatial proximity: clustering, creative milieus, dynamic cities, innovative regions Innovation: General Characteristics

Innovative settings/mileus Drivers: Sophisticated demand, Rivalry, Structural Instability, Incentive structures Prerequisites: Knowledge infrastructure and actors with complementary skills (e.g. inventors, innovators, entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, industrialists) Openness: Exposure to the outside world, inflows of ideas and competences

Why should a research university invest in collaboration and innovation? Main means for contributing to society Research and education develop through exposure to challenging problems in industry and society No conflict between basic (”curiosity-driven”) and applied (”demand- or challenge-driven”) research The Knowledge Triangle: education, research and innovation are strongly related

Uppsala University Support for commercialization through spin-offs Patenting, verification Incubator support, UU Holding Company Support for utilization through strategic collaboration Organizational and individual incentives Enhance mobility Platforms for interaction Prime example: AIM-day – Connecting firms and researchers

AIMday ® – this is how it works workshops questions companies/organizations company representatives scientists/scholars

Some 30 AIMdays ® since 2008 (across Sweden and beyond) Material Image analysis Public Management Cancer Diabetes Ageing Diagnostics & biomarkers CNS Disorders Religion Energy

Typical evaluation result ”I established new contacts” -Industry representative 98% -Scientist/scholar 92% ”I learnt new things in the discussion” -Industry representative 98% -Scientist/scholar 95% ”I will return to AIMday” -Industry representative 91% -Scientist/scholar 93%

Conclusion: to play a role in a creative economy, the comprehensive research university needs … … a broad approach to innovation: technological, organizational and social … to foster new combinations of knowledge bases and resources across internal and external boundaries, … to defend academic freedom, values and integrity while being extremely open to dialogue with industry and society (”good fences make good neighbours”)