Technology platform as a tool for transformation of university science and education activities

The article presents the results of research and testing of the suitability of technological platforms for qualitative transformation of scientific and educational activities in universities. The article examines the genesis of the technological platform concept, its role and function as well as its development in different countries and industries. It was found that the university is an active participant, integrator and driver in technology platforms, mostly performing functions of the developer and supplier of new knowledge and high technologies in cooperation with large business. When university has serious methodological background and modern scientific and technological base, it can act as an initiator and coordinator of the platform that allows to form its own original strategy, research agenda, pool of partners. The paper also describes two such models of technology platforms implemented at Ural Federal University that contribute to enhanced interaction of the university and t real sector, development of science and education as an integrated system. The pilot application of the results demonstrated a unique ability to use platform tools for a breakthrough in universities' activities, which is valuable under the new industrialization process. The novelty of the study is that university activities' improvement was not previously regarded as a separate technology platform object.