Attori e ruoli emergenti nelle politiche per l’innovazione e il trasferimento tecnologico. Il caso dell’Università della Calabria

Emerging Actors and Roles in Policies for Innovation and Technology Transfer. The case of the University of Calabria. Over the last two decades, innovation policies are facing difficult challenges and undergoing significant transformations due to the reduction of public investments in local networks for innovation, whereas they are assuming a growing importance in modern economy. In such a scenario, this paper analyses the evolution path of innovation and technology transfer processes, focusing on the new actors and roles that are emerging. In particular, the “hybrid role” played by Universities – more and more involved in the diffusion and exploitation (not only creation) of knowledge – is discussed. Then, the case of the University of Calabria is presented (“Unical system”), describing some successful experiences in technology transfers and innovation processes carried out.