The Autonomous University of Barcelona (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, UAB), founded in 1968, is one of seven higher education institutions located in the metropolitan area of Barcelona. It is centred in the heart of Catalonia, one of Spain’s most dynamic and entrepreneurial regions. UAB is one of the top three universities in Spain. It is a broad-based university, with a strong reputation in the social sciences. There are three campuses: Bellaterra (main campus), Sabadell (Engineering, Business and Economics, Medicine), and Barcelona (Medicine in Sant Pau, Vall d'Hebron, and Hospital del Mar). UAB offers study programmes at bachelor, master and doctoral levels for approximately 40,000 students. It employs around 3,600 academic staff and 2,500 administrative staff. Incoming international students make up 20% of its student body, while 7% of UAB students participate in temporary study periods abroad. UAB is a key stakeholder of the Catalonian Knowledge Ecosystem, which involves the Generalitat de Catalunya, 11 local councils, research centres and institutes, R&D support organisations, incubators and business parks, firms, and all higher education institutions in the region. UAB has established over 1000 partnership links within Europe, was the first Spanish university to offer joint programmes with Asian universities and actively seeks out new networks and partnerships. 

Innovative Features

• HEI - Business/External Relationships for Knowledge Exchange

The HEI is committed to knowledge exchange with industry, society and the public sector

UAB is surrounded by top-level research centres. Since the 1990s, knowledge generation and transference have been integrated into the university strategy and institutional policy. Many of its collaborative activities originate from personal professional networks which UAB has built on, developing systems to facilitate knowledge exchange with industry, society and the public sector.  

Figure 1 shows the evolution of UAB’s hybrid organisational structures and support programmes. These structures were created to facilitate collaboration and partnership with other universities, businesses, government and the Spanish Council for Scientific Research (CSIC). 

Figure 1: The UAB’s sphere

Source: UAB official documents and UAB website

All faculties, departments, research groups, research parks and technical structures affiliated with UAB participate in interdisciplinary activity. Even the independent units maintain strong links with UAB. The focus is on identifying complementary activities and creating a multidisciplinary environment. Four research clusters: Bio-cluster, Aeronautic, Nanotechnology and Education have been created. These have 4 core aims:

1.      Generate new knowledge via research activities

2.      Transfer knowledge through teaching activities and research diffusion (academic papers);

3.      Commercialise knowledge (licences, patents, spin-offs);

4.      Generate social/economic spillovers in the region to attract investment and talent.

UAB has coordinated and implemented mechanisms to develop research projects and collaborations. Specifically UAB has:

• Established formulas to formalise knowledge transfer through contracts and agreements (i.e., framework agreement, research contract, consultancy contract, the provision of research services, training knowledge transfer, licence agreement)

• Created a catalogue of capacities describing the knowledge and services generated by the research groups and institutes at UAB Research Park (PRUAB)
• Promoted the work of young researchers and encouraged the diffusion of research results to society through the UABinnova and UABdivulga, providing information about publications, patents, licences, spin-offs, research projects, training and the job market. 
• Implemented the UABsearcher, for students, researchers and alumni to find details for financial help.
• Promoted the creation of training courses for lifelong learning activities, and in-company training, managed by the UAB Graduate School.

• Promoted the creation of innovative companies throughout the UAB entrepreneurship network (UABEmprèn). 

These aggregations increase the critical mass of researchers and enable easier access to calls and grants to carry out multidisciplinary projects (e.g. research at the ALBA synchrotron). They optimise resources through the shared use of scientific laboratories and facilities and improve the visibility and transfer of research results. 

The HEI demonstrates active involvement in partnerships and relationships with a wide range of stakeholders

The incorporation of social responsibility to the governance of the university is a way of achieving ethically responsible management. To achieve this commitment, a Social Council is included in the UAB government structure. This council participates in university committees associated with reputation, finances, academic and society-university relationships. It comprises members of the Catalan Government and Parliament, local trade unions, established business, the university community (students, teaching and research staff) and university governing council (rector, general secretary, and administrator). 

• To ensure the quality of teaching programmes and research activities, UAB has improved relationships with university agencies, including the Agency for Ensuring Quality in the University System of Catalonia, the National Agency for Quality Assurance and Accreditation, Conference of University Rectors of Spain, European University Association, Venice International University and the University Network of the Joan Lluís Vives Institute.
• To ensure knowledge transfer and commercialization via entrepreneurial activities, UAB collaborates with Catalonian, Spanish and European Government departments, including the Catalan Ministry of Universities, Spanish Ministry of Economy and Competitiveness, the Spanish Ministry for Science and Technology (MICINN), the Catalonian Network of Scientific Parks (XPCAT), the Spanish Association of Research and Technological Parks (APTE), European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and the International Association of Research Parks (IASP).
• To support university entrepreneurial initiatives in their search for public and private funding for their projects, UAB participates in programmes promoted by public and private stakeholders. For example, the Agency for Innovation and Internationalization of Catalan companies (ACCIÓ), the Management Agency for University Grants and Research (AGAUR), the Barcelona Chamber of Commerce and the Sabadell Chamber of Commerce (Internationalisation grants) and the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX).
 
• UAB links with private business angel networks, venture capital companies and bank foundations, e.g. la Caixa Foundation and la Caixa Catalunya Foundation. 
• To promote the social and economic development and boost the internationalisation through talent, research and institutional collaborations, UAB participates in university networks such as Universia (Spain), Santander Universidades (Latin America), RedEmprendia (Ibero-America), European Consortium of Innovative Universities (Europe) and Euro-Mediterranean University network (EMUNI). 
• To ensure potential knowledge exchange, generation of activities and employability, UAB has a well-structured alumni organization. It encourages relationships with its graduates. Activities include labour placement, professional development, professional and social networking, and the provision of scientific, technical and professional services. 
• Alumni are actively involved in knowledge exchange and the generation of activities e.g. curriculum design, career services and entrepreneurship support. 

UAB publishes an annual report to showcase its main teaching, research and entrepreneurship activities and outcomes, as well as core institutional achievements such as the development of partnerships with stakeholders. This improves current partnerships and encourages new relationships. 

The HEI has strong links with incubators, science parks and other external initiatives, creating opportunities for dynamic knowledge exchange

Figure 1 showed the evolution of UAB knowledge-intensive structures. UAB, through the Research Park (PRUAB), offers services for the creation of new business. The EUREKA incubator provides offices and low-equipment laboratory space to potential entrepreneurs. 

The Research Park (PRUAB) has developed strong links with other research infrastructures to provide specific support through all stages of start-up and to establish the resulting new firms within the business network. The networks in which the UAB participates include: 

• The Catalonian Network of Scientific Parks, comprise of 13 large Catalonian spaces for the production, transfer, dissemination and use of knowledge with a regional development focus.
 
• The Spanish Association of Research and Technological Parks comprise of 46 physical spaces for the creation and growth of knowledge with a high added value. They also promote the transfer of technology. The aim is to foster innovation among the companies and organizations using the park. 
• The International Association of Research Parks is a worldwide network of science parks and areas of innovation. 

Cross-fertilization of knowledge enhances competitiveness among entrepreneurs and contributes to Catalonian economic development through innovation and the transfer of knowledge and technology. UAB has participated in external initiatives with other Catalonian universities and Spanish universities. 

UAB is a member of the Catalonian University Entrepreneurship Network, which was launched to carry out coordinated actions to promote entrepreneurship and to detect entrepreneurial talent and business careers in the university community. This network has four main strategies: 

1.      To motivate and encourage the entrepreneurial spirit of the Catalan university community 

2.      To promote innovative ideas in business projects arising in the university environment

3.      To grow and strengthen business initiatives and encourage the use of new technologies

4.      To generate knowledge, resources and devices to enhance the entrepreneurial 
university

UAB participates in the ‘4 Universities Alliance (A4U)’ alongside the Pompeu Fabra University, the Autonomous University of Madrid and the University Carlos III of Madrid. This alliance was formed in 2008 to strengthen the connection between quality teaching and scientific research through a commitment to innovation. Activities include enhancing the international mobility of students, researchers and academics, the promotion of English inside universities, the creation of an international research alliance and the launch of new joint degrees. 

At the European level, UAB is a member of the European Consortium of Innovative Universities and the European University Association.  

Strong links with local, national and international incubators, science parks, and other external initiatives contribute directly to the consolidation of the Catalonian knowledge and entrepreneurial ecosystem and indirectly to the generation of a spill-over effect in the region. 

The HEI provides opportunities for staff and students to take part in entrepreneurial activities with business/the external environment

UAB provides opportunities for staff and students to take part in entrepreneurial activities with business and the external environment. A current example is the UAB entrepreneurship network (UABEmprèn), which is a central campus programme created by UAB to promote the generation of business ideas and projects for all members of the university community (students, staff, researchers and alumni). 

This initiative includes training, counselling support and networking with individuals who have already achieved success with their ideas. The experience and knowledge of experts enhances the project quality. The UAB entrepreneurship network comprises of four strategic university structures: 

• The employment campus service (Treball Campus) provides career opportunities for students and graduates in the workplace. This service looks for entrepreneurial talent and develops actions to achieve successful start-ups (e.g. analysis of business plans, advice on specialized areas from professors, support in search of funding, and legal advice). Initiatives with a technological focus are discussed in conjunction with the Research Park. 
• The Research Park (PRUAB) is dedicated to transferring knowledge and technology from the university, creating companies based on research and spin-off technology companies. 
• The University Centre for Entrepreneurship (EUTDH-UAB) promotes entrepreneurship and innovation among members of the university community, in particular the tourism school.
 
• The Platform ICT Laude of Young Entrepreneur’s European University provides free training to students and alumni of any degree at UAB who want to launch a creative idea. 

The HEI specifically supports staff and student mobility between academia and the external environment

UAB has developed internal policies for equality and strategies for attracting and retaining talented people. UAB is launching a new student financial aid programme called Finnestra to guarantee equal opportunity. This programme provides financial support and career guidance to students. Dissemination about grants and fellowships within the university is achieved through the UABsearcher. 

The university and the private sector work together to facilitate the employability of students/graduates and mobility of post-doctoral students. The campus employment service offers opportunities to work in other countries as well as internships and employment in Catalonian and Spanish companies. Mobility for students is more common than mobility opportunities for administrative staff. 

PhD students who wish to obtain a diploma that can be recognized in any European country need to stay a minimum of six months in a European University. The university uses this requirement to contribute to knowledge transfer and research collaboration. One of the conditions for study is the development of a research project. This provides a practical way to access other research networks, meet people involved in the same field and identify job opportunities. 

Through its national and international networks, UAB provides incentives and facilitates mobility and research collaboration for staff and students. For example: 

• The 4 Universities Alliance (A4U) offers 12 fellowship grants annually for post-doctoral students involved in their universities. The fellowship is for one-year, with a possible extension of an additional year. So far, 60 researchers have benefited from a grant for a maximum period of two years for temporary post-doctoral positions. 
• Through the Catalonian Network of Scientific Parks (XPCAT), any UAB post-doctoral student, researcher, or teaching and administrative staff member resident in Catalonia can participate in the mobility grants to develop applied research based on a technology transfer initiative. This fellowship allows a stay for one year, with project supervision by a responsible scientist, located in a host organization outside of Spain (i.e. university, research centre, technology centre or R&D department of a company). 
• The Consortium for Advanced Studies in Barcelona (CASB) promotes the mobility and research collaboration of post-doctoral students, researchers and teaching staff (with at least two years of experience and contracted by a Catalonian university) in one of the following American Universities - Brown University, University of Chicago, Stanford University, Columbia University and North-Western University. 
• At the European level, there are grants to foster training and mobility e.g. Leonardo da Vinci grants. Erasmus enables Teaching and Staff Training Mobility to another European university in the network. This provides an opportunity for administrative staff and allows transfer and exchange of know-how between European university staff. 

UAB recognises that international experience increases professional and personal self-efficacy. Specifically, mobility develops more flexible, creative and complex thinkers, who can adapt and learn from other cultures, identify entrepreneurial opportunities, solve problems and be creative. 

The HEI links research, education and industry (wider community) activities together to affect the whole knowledge ecosystem

UAB is situated in the industrial heart of Catalonia in a strategic location on the B-30 trunk road, a strategically important European communications link. The area aims to become the main technological hub of Catalonia and Spain. UAB has a strategic plan to create an eminent scientific and technological centre in the Mediterranean. A core aspect of this strategy is the formation of thematic clusters. As a result, the UAB is improving in the following areas: 

• Internally: (i) methodologies in teaching and research, in order to attract the best students and researchers, (ii) the integration of all research, development and innovation at the UAB in a common structure, to facilitate collaboration with other institutions (iii) an international dimension based on teaching, research and knowledge transfer, to attract investors and talent, and (iv) a regulatory framework that creates a favourable environment for interaction between researchers and external agents. 
• Externally: a strong and intensive interrelation between UAB and the main stakeholders of the towns located near the B-30 (Barcelona, Cerdanyola del Vallès, Sant Cugat del Vallès, Sant Quirze del Vallès, Sabadell, Terrassa, Rubí, Badia del Vallès, Barberà del Vallès and Ripollet). The vision is to reinforce the knowledge ecosystem and strengthen the socio-economic role of university through initiatives that revitalize the economy and create jobs. Creating a framework of mutual benefit assists in building the knowledge cluster UAB-30. 

UAB has signed several agreements for exploring entrepreneurial opportunities with local and international stakeholders related to the Catalonian Knowledge Ecosystem. UAB has more than 79 attached institutions (including the Generalitat de Catalunya), 44 research centres and institutes, 21 companies and business parks, 2 R&D organisations (Consell Superior d'Investigacions Científiques, Institut de Recerca i Tecnologies Agroalimentàries) and 11 local councils. 

In April 2014, the main regional agents of the Vallès Occidental signed the Declaration, “Towards the Second Reindustrialisation of Vallès Occidental”. It included an action plan to establish the conditions for re-industrialization of the territory. There is a clear need to create competitive industry that generates quality employment. This is made more important by the on-going economic crisis. 

UABCEI links research, education and industry activities to the whole Catalonian knowledge ecosystem through: 

1. Teaching and research, improving teaching based on the European Higher Education Area (Bologna Process), developing initiatives to promote employment and entrepreneurship and designing incentives to attract talent, increase teaching ability, increase research potential, and to optimize resources.

2. Internationalisation, creating bridges to prestigious institutions in Europe, Latin America and Asia and incentivising the mobility of students and researchers
.

3. Interaction with the area, enhancing social and cultural programmes, fostering research clusters to improve knowledge transfer and innovation and creation forums

Results/Achievements

-  A strong relationship is needed among the agents involved in the entrepreneurial and knowledge ecosystem (i.e., industry, society, and public sector) in the region.

- Location and easy access to the rest of Europe is key for attracting foreign talent and investors

-  Even with the competition for public funds, strong alliances can be made in the areas of entrepreneurship, innovation and knowledge transfer with other Catalonian and Spanish universities 

-  Support for mobility between academia and external environment, e.g. research projects, practises inside firms, is essential in promoting new ways of thinking and identifying opportunities

Contact

David Urbano and Maribel Guerrero 

Business Economics Department, Autonomous University of Barcelona

david.urbano@uab.cat