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Universities and businesses work together for smart and inclusive growth

The European Commissioner for Education, Culture, Multilingualism and Youth, Androulla Vassiliou, said: "The Europe 2020 strategy gives a very clear message: Education, training and skills are going to be more and more crucial in shaping the future of our societies and our economies. Closer and better co-operation between universities and businesses is a cornerstone in this context. We need more and better ways of collaboration and we need information and knowledge to flow between these two worlds."

Why universities and businesses should co-operate

Co-operation between higher education and businesses is widely recognised to have benefits for both sides. Universities make sure their graduates are well prepared for the labour market. Companies satisfy their demand for highly qualified graduates with the right mix of knowledge, skills and attitudes.

New ways of co-operating stimulate knowledge transfer in both ways, open opportunities and improve returns through long-term partnerships.

The University-Business Forum

The University-Business Forum has taken place once a year since 2008 and is complemented by a series of thematic forums.

It offers a platform for discussion, for exchange of good practice and for mutual learning.

This third University Business Forum focuses on three main areas for discussion and exchange of experiences:

• Co-operation with SMEs and Regional Development
• University-business co-operation and innovation
• University-business co-operation and quality of education

To find out more

• European Commission: University-Business Co-operation
• Commission Communication "A new partnership for the modernisation of universities: the EU Forum for University Business Dialogue", COM(2009) 158 final, 2 April 2009
• European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)