The University-Industry Relations of an Entrepreneurial University: the Case of the University of Twente

This article describes the development of the University of Twente from a regional teaching university into a national research university known as "the entrepreneurial university" of The Netherlands. It begins by describing the actual position of the University of Twente and then follows with a brief description of the major developments of the last decades. The university has taken specific measures in order to increase its economic and social impact in its region through spin-offs (USOs) from the university, an incubator in a Business and Science Park, and the generation of venture capital. The article estimates the regional impact of such activities and describes international activities. Finally, it explains the so-called entrepreneurial activities of the university.