THE ROLE OF A UNIVERSITY CONSULTING CENTER IN THE TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE FROM UNIVERSITY TO INDUSTRY

SMEs (Small and Medium Enterprises) are often called as the backbone of the economy. Support of SMEs is well discussed by all involved sites in all countries throughout the European Union. European Union and governments of member countries have introduced several support programs and policies in order to help this sector in its growth. Transferring the knowledge towards SMEs is one of the desired actions which should increase growth, competitiveness and innovation in this sector. University is an environment with potentially great knowledge background. Often, this knowledge is insufficiently transferred into the industry. In this paper we describe the concept of knowledge transfer between university and entrepreneurs, which was developed at the Faculty of Management of Comenius University in Bratislava. We explain a concept called PRC (Consulting and Development Centre) and discuss the positive impact of this concept on both involved sides: university and SMEs. Our experience and research provide both validation of demand on the side of SMEs and benefits for university and students in form of higher and practical education. This good practice example in our article can serve as an inspiration for any university as this concept is easily applicable anywhere in the world. We prove that a university consulting center is an effective and meaningful way of transferring the knowledge from university to industry.