Innovation Activity of Universities: Analysis of Practices of Cooperation with Business and Government

This study focuses on analyzing the forms of cooperation between universities and business structures i n organizing innovation activities. The relevance of the work is determined by the need to identify effective configurations of interaction adapted to contemporary economic realities. The purpose of the article is to identify and systematize effective models of university–business partnership based on a comparative analysis of existing practices in Russian higher education. The methodological framework of the research combines qualitative, quantitative, and causal analysis. The empirical basis includes data from official state statistics and specialized analytical and statistical collections covering the period from 2019 to 2024. As a result of the study, a typology of the innovative university was developed, with the level of integration with the business environment and government institutions serving as the key criterion. Depending on the maturity of university–business partnerships, three main models were identified: entrepreneurial, cluster, and ecosystemic. A matrix of criteria was designed to assess the stages of the life cycle in the development of strategic partnerships. The analysis identified key barriers to effective cooperation, including insufficient engagement of the business community, lack of expertise in technology commercialization, and the absence of adaptive institutional and financial support mechanisms. The findings emphasize the necessity of adopting a differentiated approach to forming partnerships, taking into account sectoral, economic, and institutional contexts. Based on empirical data and case analysis, the study formulates practical recommendations for optimizing innovation management systems in Russian universities. The conclusions are valuable for university administrators, education and science policymakers, as well as researchers studying innovation development and technology transfer.