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Engagement of life science universities in the knowledge society and innovation networks
held on 30 and 31 October 2012 at Ghent University, Belgium
See the programme and presentations
1 FORUM FOCUS
The aim of this annual event is to provide the opportunity for university decision makers from ICA’s member universities to meet and discuss with our stakeholders in industry, government and NGOs the strategic choices for agricultural and life science universities. This Forum follows the successful Forum in 2011.
Following the four pillar structure proposed by the World Bank the development of the knowledge society in the life science focuses around the successful development of innovation networks of research centres, universities, think tanks, private enterprises and community groups necessary to tap into the growing stock of global knowledge, assimilate and adapt it to local needs, and create new knowledge. Such networks depend upon information infrastructures required to facilitate the effective communication, dissemination and processing of information, and economic incentive and institutional regimes that enables the free flow of knowledge, supports investment and encourages entrepreneurship which is central to the knowledge economy.
The fist day of the Forum focused on a discussion of with our stakeholders of case studies of different models of innovation networks in the life sciences to elucidate the keys to success in contrasting innovationdevelopment of universities and faculties of life sciences to engage successfully in innovation networks and ensure that our education programmes deliver graduates that have the skills networks. On the second day discussed the needed to create, share and use knowledge.
2. EXPECTED OUTCOMES
Rectors and Deans were confronted with models for engagement in innovation networks. The shared understanding of the drivers in the knowledge economy will support the enhanced engagement of universities and faculties in research and innovation networks for the wider benefit of society. Such understanding will also ensure that the degree programmes are developed that provide our graduates with the skills, entrepreneurship and creativity to succeed in the innovation networks.
See the programme and presentations