Supporting Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Higher Education in Hungary
This report presents evidence-based analysis of current strategies and practices in higher education institutions (HEIs) in Hungary towards a value-creating use of knowledge resources for innovation and entrepreneurship. The analysis and recommendations are highly relevant for policy makers and HEI leaders in other countries. Increased attention to innovation and entrepreneurship both from public policy actors and HEI leadership has triggered an incremental change process in the organisational culture of HEIs and a new approach to education and research for students and staff. HEInnovate is a joint initiative of the European Commission and the OECD to promote the innovative and entrepreneurial higher education institution across Europe and beyond (www.heinnovate.eu).
Overview of the Hungarian higher education system
This chapter provides an overview of the Hungarian higher education system and highlights key challenges and development opportunities resulting from recent policy developments. The chapter also describes the multiple roles of the higher education institutions (HEIs) in the country’s research, development and innovation (RDI) and the emerging importance of the third mission in HEIs. Since 2000, there has been a notable shift in the orientation of academic staff towards increased application of research results and greater societal relevance. Changes in national funding and grant schemes, as well as the support for transdisciplinary research on global challenges in EU funding schemes have triggered this change in attitude. Effective HEI-internal responses are, however, often lagging behind. Supporting students and graduates in considering venture creation as a viable career path has gained ground but so far, the focus has been more on skills development and less on start-up support.