Działalność badawczo-rozwojowa jednostek naukowych i badawczo-rozwojowych w regionie łódzkim

The European Union clearly emphasises the need to convert the European knowledge into market products and services with the aid of the R&D sector through stimulating transfer of knowledge and the removal of barriers to the commercialisation of new ideas. R&D activity has a positive impact on the development of regions and it might be the example illustrating successful cooperation between science and business. Scientific units and R&D institutions are becoming increasingly more open to the business sector and more often adapt their offer to the specific needs of companies. The paper aims at presenting research and development activity carried out in Lodz region, showing its current potential and determinants of its development. Particular attention will be paid to higher education institutions whose role and importance in the research and development sphere is growing.