AN OPPORTUNITY FOR INNOVATION: UNIVERSITY-BUSINESS COOPERATION

The far-reaching modification of the competitive scenario which is taking place, both for reasons linked with the economic situation and for structural reasons, is bringing out an important innovative trend towards the reorganization of the Italian manufacturing system, mainly characterized, as is known, by small and medium enterprises. Many of the traditional problems which SMEs have to deal with - lack of funding, difficulties of exploiting technology, limited managerial skills, poor productivity, legislative constraints – are getting worse in a globalized system and in an environment dominated by technology. It is therefore indispensable for small businesses, both Italian and international, to improve their managerial skills, their ability to collect information and boost their technological support so that they can be innovative and access the challenge currently taking place. Internationalization and dimensional growth become the imperatives to innovate and therefore compete: they have to be bigger and have a greater critical mass both on the front of the costs and on that of market activity as well as having more overall ability to develop products that are multi-technological and multi-sectorial, which is what the market is demanding. The development of forms of inter-company organizations, which also go beyond the national borders, is emerging as successful, therefore it becomes very important to find methods and instruments of cultural integration and common training.