Innovation process in Italian SMEs: the universities role

Abstract

Innovation process is a very critical one, both inside the big corporations and for the SMEs which in Italy are 7 million. In Bergamo area there is a SME every 7 inhabitants, particularly in textile, mechanical and electronic industries. SMEs in Italy constitute the 50 % of GDP and 70 % of occupation. Universities and CNR (National Research Center) have promoted in the past more than 30 technological parks; and about 300 public institutions should facilitate technology transfer to Italian SMEs, but the dialogue between research centers and enterprises remains very difficult, basically for cultural reasons. In Italy researchers and scientists publish papers for their international colleagues and major reviews, using scientific and technical language impossible to be understood by the entrepreneurs. In given article the features of Italian National Innovation System (INIS) are described, and the role of University of Bergamo in innovative process is shown. The author of the article considers that using of experience of Finland and Israel could be applied as two possible strategies for development of INIS and for implementation of innovation into SMEs. Obviously, collaboration of SMEs with universities in R&D gives possibilities of efficient knowledge transfer, resource exchange and organizational learning.

Раскрыты особенности инновационных процессов в крупных корпорациях и МСП Италии. Выявлены причины усложнения диалога между исследовательскими центрами и предприятиями. Рассмотрены особенности Национальной системы инноваций Италии, а также показана роль университета Бергамо в инновационном процессе. Рассмотрен опыт Финляндии и Израиля в качестве двух возможных примеров для построения стратегий развития Национальной системы инноваций Италии и внедрения инноваций в МСП. Доказано, что сотрудничество МСП с университетами в исследованиях и разработках предоставляет возможности для эффективной передачи знаний, обмена ресурсами и корпоративного обучения.