engleski

From ignoring to leading changes - what role do universities play in developing countries? (Case of Croatia)

Using a model of entrepreneurial university, the paper will present major blockages (university's own institutional rigidiy, fragmented organization, lack of mutual trust between the business sector and universities, no real benchmarks, legal framework not supportive of opening the university to new initiatives) in Triple Helix interactions in Croatia. Comparing identified blockages with expectations (multidimensional campus, cooperation with the business sector and other stakeholders in designing new educational and research programs) expressed by HEIs in the developed countries around the world (2008 EIU survey) indicates new challenges for universities in developing countries. Without Triple Helix approach, not confined inside of national borders, but as an international networking opportunity, these challenges will stay as dreams or threats, but no opportunities. On a scale of ignoring, observing, participating and leading positive changes in its surroundings, for the measuring vitality of Triple Helix interactions, Croatian universities are located more between ignoring and observing position. To move them toward leading position, coordinated and consistent policies will be needed to focus on eliminating identified blockages. Universities should tak the lead in this process ; otherwise they are losing credibility as desired partners in developing space for Triple Helix interactions.

entrepreneurial university; regional development; university accountability; Triple Helix

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