University-business cooperation outcomes and impacts - A European perspective

Abstract

University-Business Cooperation (UBC) is gaining importance within European HEIs, and increasing amounts of resources are invested in it, by the HEIs themselves and governments at different levels. In the face of rising scrutiny of their contribution to society, universities, and the governments funding them, are increasingly challenged to justify the organisational and societal outcomes and impacts of UBC. However, until now, methods for evaluating UBC have failed to capture its full value and complexity. This paper explores the topic and history of UBC outcome and impact evaluation, highlights some often overlooked factors that require further consideration, and suggests a preliminary framework for standardised evaluation of UBC outcomes and impacts.