University libraries in the local production system

Abstract

There is an ever-increasing bond between the world of research and of universities and the production system. They both draw advantages from this mutual cooperation: businesses can provide precious indications on formation in the technical and economic field, so that young people are more suitably prepared for the world of work; some university teaching is entrusted to teachers belonging to the world of industry and stages in businesses provide university credits for those students who follow them. On the other hand research carried out in universities is a driving force for industrial production and academic laboratories can offer businesses high scientific level advice and cooperation. The need to increase the level of cooperation between universities and businesses, improving communication channels and making greater commitment in the field of patenting was stressed in the Convention held at the Polytechnic of Milan on 17^th June 2005 and promoted by the CRUI. The commitment for the future is to conjugate high quality formation with a higher technological level of industry.
Universities provide the production system mainly with: 1) advice and research on behalf of the companies, activities which can be carried out both for large and middle- and small-sized businesses; 2) joint laboratories, in which researchers from the academic and industrial worlds join their skills and activities; 3) management and promotion of high technology businesses; 4) formation and update courses for businesses; 5) assistance in participation in European projects regarding technological transfer.
For small- and medium-sized businesses, which in Italy produce 70% of all goods and services and which normally do not have adequate research structures, universities are irreplaceable reference points for acquiring new technologies, so necessary for maintaining and developing their competitiveness on the national and international market. 
The situation in Piedmont, and especially of the Turin Polytechnic, represents an interesting example and provides points for reflection for a possible future evolution of the service offered.