Strategies and Outcomes of Building a Successful University Research and Innovation Ecosystem

Abstract

Óbuda University (OU) has created a regionally unique innovation ecosystem around the traditional university structure and organization. This includes their 7 faculties, the University Research and Innovation Center (EKIK), an independent academic organizational unit, their 3 Science and Innovation Parks, the Obuda Uni Venture Capital (OUVC) investment company, and the Initium Venture Labs technology transfer company. EKIK's main task remains the structured implementation of strategic research and innovation tasks at the University. It was established by the founding Rector, Professor Imre J. Rudas in 2012, and has been growing dynamically ever since, becoming an integral part of the main campus. EKIK's activities include basic research focusing on the PhD students, applied research involving the regional industrial partners, while developing and co creating the university innovation strategy and innovation ecosystem. EKIK operates under the direct supervision of the Rector and cooperates with the faculties in the implementation of the research, development and innovation (R&D+I) activities. The purpose of the key EKIK projects is to undertake and manage interdisciplinarity along the strategic scientific topic areas of the University, thus providing priority and optimal implementation conditions for the research community, in accordance with the University's Institutional Development Plan. Beyond the research centers, the functional units of EKIK include the Innovation Office, and back in the day, it had incorporated the Science Organization Office and the Electronic and Digital Learning Materials Office. More recently, Óbuda University decided to enhance its innovation capabilities through establishing a technology transfer company, named Initium Venture Labs, completing the investment capabilities of OU.