The Importance of HEIs and Firm Relationships in Innovation-Driven Models

Abstract

The current paradigm of change, which is essentially based on the digitization and greater application of modern ICT, is changing the established patterns of business, not only in firms but also in other industries that are important for the functioning of a society. In the era of rapid change, innovation is qualified as the “key” to comparative advantage. Innovation is certainly a central and decisive factor in current competitive relations and, as such, it seeks a strong link between higher education institutions and firms in the practical field of action. Therefore, the main goal of the article is to map the domains of cooperation between higher education institutions and firms, through the identification of innovative processes, on the basis of which it is possible to determine their character and directions for enhancing innovation capacities, both at the micro and macro level.