Role of Universities as Knowledge Creators in a National Innovation System: An Open Innovation Paradigm

Abstract

The purpose of this chapter is to illustrate the role of higher education establishments in Middle Eastern countries specifically Saudi Arabia. The contributions of higher education establishments are particularly significant in relation to regional and national innovation system, which have been earmarked as engine for growth of the local economy across the region. Our study has chartered the dynamic nature of higher education in the region and their networking capabilities in order to be recognized as key stakeholders of the emerging economy. The study is informed by theoretical dimensions of “open innovation” and how the framework can accommodate the dynamic nature of higher education establishments in order to provide further impetus to ambitious projects such as Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia. Our study is limited by further empirical evidence but has implication for the region in offering new insights around the evolving conceptualization of entrepreneurial universities and national innovation system.

Citation

Shahwan, R. and Zaman, T. (2023), "Role of Universities as Knowledge Creators in a National Innovation System: An Open Innovation Paradigm", El Ebrashi, R., Hattab, H., Hassan, R.S. and Bouchra, N.H. (Ed.) Industry Clusters and Innovation in the Arab World, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 259-280. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-80262-871-520231012