University-Firm Cooperation and Regional Development: Proposal of a Model of Analysis

University-firm cooperation (UF-C) is an important factor in regional development. This type of cooperation occurs through relations established to carry out research and teaching and develop products and processes. In this type of relationship, formal or informal channels are used. Analysis of these relations is through various approaches, such as national/regional innovation systems, triple helix and other helices and the entrepreneurial univeristy. These approaches concentrate on the university's importance as an element inducing innovation and development through its actions and the relations formed with the institutional environment. Those analyses result in elements complementing the local production structure, such as qualified human resources, entrepreneurship, business and academic relationship networks, innovation and other aspects. Reflecting on how those relations affect regional development illuminates the discussion on the university's mission in society and the relations it forms with its surrounding environment, modifying its social structure. The model proposed emphasizes the UF-C relations established in regions with a production structure of low technological intensity. In those regions, patent and publication indicators may not be enough to capture the specificities of this type of cooperation.

Automated summary

University-firm cooperation plays a crucial role in regional development, involving research, teaching, and product development. Various approaches analyze these relationships, focusing on the university's contribution to innovation and development and its relations with the institutional environment. These relationships impact regional development and transform the university's social structure.