Running with the pack? The role of Universities of applied science in a German research network

Abstract

A major role within regional innovation systems is played by the higher education institutions. These institutions create, gather, store and transfer knowledge, which is needed for innovative activities. Regarding the transfer of knowledge the mechanism of cooperative research is one of particular importance for exchanging knowledge between companies and higher education institutions. The cooperative activity of different companies and institutions in Germany leads to a growing research network with intra-and interregional patterns. The purpose of this paper is to unveil the evolution of the German research network over more than a decade and depict changes in the position

On the Second Mission of Higher Education Institutions: The Case of ‘Polytechnics’ in Europe

“…In face of the above, it looks like UASs and universities are more often in analogous than in balancing positions within the HEI system (Strotebeck, 2014). The dynamic changes experienced in both sectors call for a re-evaluation of their individual profiles and of the current divide (Schüll, 2019).…”

“…Many UASs have established strategic plans to stimulate research and also to be recognized by the society at large as a research performing entity (Georgy, 2012). The self-image of UASs has in fact changed towards more researchoriented institutions (Strotebeck, 2014). The Bologna process contributed decisively to this since the degrees of universities and UASs now lead to identical qualifications.…”