Cooperation Between Universities and ICT Enterprises

Abstract

This study presents the regional development of universities aiming to increase their external impact on their environment. The purpose is to show that the activities of regional development and quality assurance at universities are important means of promoting the development of ICT in the region. Regional development is analysed in this study using the approach of quality assurance, which provides a general framework to analyse the cooperation between universities and enterprises operating in information and communication technology. The approach provides practical concepts, examples, and tools for universities to increase their external impact on their respective regions. The analysis of regional development strengthens the ability of the university to design its external engagement in its activities, report on the result achieved and prepare itself for external evaluations. The study contributes to the knowledge and practice of regional development in higher education and presents how educational institutions can support their regional engagement and incorporate the regional development in its activities. Regional cooperation between a higher education institution and ICT enterprises is illustrated with examples. Conclusions and recommendations are drawn based on the findings.