A Hub-based University Innovation Model

Abstract

This article uses a conceptual approach to propose an innovation model for regional universities. It demonstrates that the traditional university encounters several obstacles that hinder its full integration into the development of its respective region and explains why currently known models cannot adapt to regions that have deficient relationships with the government and lack an entrepreneurial base. The new model is based on a structure composed of units called "innovation hubs" and incorporates social innovation, thus permitting the university to become integrated into the regional innovation ecosystems. The Magdalena University in Colombia was used as a reference in developing the model.

Las universidades hub. Un modelo de innovación

“…La propuesta del modelo hub, denominado «HubMicroRegional» (Angeles et al, 2014;Asheim e Isaksen, 2002;Breznitz y Feldman, 2012;Cherrington et al, 2019;Etzkowitz, 2017;Prieto et al, 2019;Zuti y Lukovics, 2015), tiene características de innovación social que le permiten a una universidad contribuir al desarrollo regional e igualmente cuenta con atributos de enfoque tecnológico. Estos hubs son unidades que compilan conocimientos en torno a problemáticas sociales regionales enmarcadas en los Objetivos de Desarrollo Sostenible (ODS), asociando a estudiantes, profesores, investigadores, trabajadores administrativos y entidades externas tales como Gobierno, organizaciones y empresas.…”

Exploring Mission-Oriented Innovation Ecosystems for Sustainability: Towards a Literature-Based Typology

“…To this end, the 'social foresight lab approach' developed by Schroth et al [89] depicts a promising methodological approach. Reflected in the particular university perspective taken by two of the six papers, a key role within regional development ecosystems is ascribed to academia, especially regional universities [88,90]. Not only do they provide a region with a highly skilled workforce, but generate new scientific knowledge, which can be transferred and commercialized through science-industry collaboration or academic spin-offs [88].…”