Service-Oriented University: changes and opportunities towards innovation

Abstract Service-oriented architecture has been acknowledged by many researchers and it has been proving its usefulness in obtaining agility at organization/university level. Moreover, under certain conditions, the use of shared services as cloud computing solutions can bring quick benefits with reduced costs. This paper analyzes the evolution of universities to service-oriented universities in order to increase flexibility and achieve innovation. The paper highlights the benefits/needs of the transition to service-oriented universities. In addition, necessary changes are considered and suggestions are offered for educational institutions. References will be made to experience/results obtained within the Academy of Economic Studies from Bucharest concerning the use of services-oriented and cloud computing systems/applications. The paper comes to support the universities of tomorrow, as a pillar of society development.