Abstract

The concept of the 4th Generation University is gaining momentum as universities increasingly position themselves as key players in regional innovation ecosystems. By embracing collaborative approaches with industry, government, and society, these institutions are breaking traditional boundaries between academia and practice, driving societal impact and contributing to economic growth at both local and global levels.
This discussion will invite participants to explore how universities can integrate education, research, and innovation in a way that maximizes their contribution to regional development. Participants will share their experiences and insights on the challenges and opportunities of fostering early-stage collaborations with industry, building effective partnerships, and ensuring that research is translated into tangible societal benefits.
We will delve into themes such as:
-The role of universities in nurturing local talent and retaining it within regional innovation ecosystems.
-The importance of dual university-industry appointments and joint research efforts that align with Key Enabling Technologies (KETs).
-How universities can contribute to the development of spinouts and entrepreneurial ecosystems to support long-term innovation.
- Strategies for building indicators to measure and track the societal impact and knowledge valorization resulting from university-industry collaborations.
This session is designed as an interactive dialogue, where research managers and administrators (RMAs) can exchange best practices and practical strategies for measuring and enhancing knowledge valorization and societal impact. The discussion will focus on how to create scalable models for universities to deepen their engagement with industry, foster innovation, and become drivers of regional economic transformation.

Key takeaways will include:
-Insights into the 4th Generation University model and its application in diverse contexts.
-Strategies for building sustainable collaboration frameworks between universities, industry, and government.
-Practical methods for building indicators to measure the societal impact of university-industry partnerships and their contributions to knowledge valorization.
-Effective approaches for measuring and enhancing university contributions to regional innovation ecosystems.