Internationalisation of higher education in Italy

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and innovation are key drivers of inclusive growth and social cohesion. This is why it is important that higher education systems and institutions strategically develop innovative and entrepreneurial approaches towards education, research and engagement with stakeholders, and act as catalysts of these processes. Many higher education institutions have a solid foundation on which they can build and develop new initiatives, often due to the pioneering role of individuals. However, scaling up entrepreneurial and innovative initiatives, and promoting and sustained change at institutional level, is a multi-dimensional effort. It requires adopting new rules and practices on resource allocation, staff incentives, continuous professional development, and the creation of strategic partnerships-locally, nationally and globally. It cannot happen unless higher education institutions include engagement with business and communities in their core functions.