Open Innovation Capacity of the Polish Universities

Following the patterns of open innovation should be one of the key elements of knowledge management systems in universities. Universities sharing or selling their intellectual property become natural partners, allies or suppliers in securing innovation in companies. The paper adds to the state of the art research by presenting data on Polish technical universities and by offering discussion over their open innovation capacity. The study covers two key aspects: (1) universities delivering solutions as partners/suppliers in outside-in innovation processes of companies and (2) universities as facilitators of open innovation ecosystems or key players in the ecosystems. The author seeks to answer the research question whether actions undertaken by universities to boost their presence in open innovation ecosystems affect the dynamics of the commercial use of their intellectual property. A method of structured self-assessment concerning open innovation capacity is proposed and applied. Results are cross-checked by accessing financial data concerning research and development contracts. In terms of the sale of intellectual property, Polish technical universities break down into three groups: three leaders, three followers and the low-end. The self-assessment inevitably raises a question whether open innovation is a real business model for universities or is it just a way to seek out opportunities? Open innovation capacity of the Polish technical universities is only potentially high. Even though they set up relevant supporting instruments, they hardly use them for real open innovation transactions.