The long prepared and much awaited lecture of Professor Rudolf Haňka on the subject of Cambridge Phenomenon took place on Wednesday 17 March 2010 in the Congress centre lecture hall of the University of Finance and Administration, the first private university of economics.
The Cambridge phenomenon is the name given to the huge development of industrial technologies around Cambridge in connection with the activities of the local university.
In the introduction to his presentation Rudolf Haňka focused on the issue of acquiring funds, which were at the heart of the transformation of Cambridge into the best entrepreneurial university. The administration of Cambridge University realised that in linking business and university activities it is necessary to support technology transfer and ensure intellectual property protection, which in no way threatens academic values. It became apparent that universities with advanced applied research may have excellent results in basic research as well. The scientist are among other things motivated by potential large profits from selling the licences.
Professor Haňka also pointed out the fact that many professors at the University of Cambridge are paid by industrial enterprises or grants. The academics there also have a set age of retirement and so the university is continuously revived by "young blood".
As part of the discussion Professor Haňka tried to answer the question whether the Cambridge Phenomenon might be put into practice in the Czech conditions as well. He stressed that our universities do not lack ideas or experts, but that in his view the problem rather lies at the cultural, legislative and institutional level.
The interesting and unique lecture was moderated by the Vice Rector for Educational Activity and External Relations, Dr Petr Budinský.
Photos of the event
photos by Hana Ambrožová, Daniel Hamerník, DiS.
