Universities’ third mission and the entrepreneurial university and the challenges they bring to higher education institutions

Abstract

Purpose Over the past few decades, higher education institutions (HEIs) have become key players in regional economic development and knowledge transfer, which has led to a third mission for HEIs and the entrepreneurial university. The purpose of this paper is to assess the challenges of HEIs in fulfilling the third mission for economic development and the changing role of being an entrepreneurial university, and the changes that need to be implemented to fulfill this new mission. Design/methodology/approach The authors have drawn on current literature to examine academic entrepreneurism and the entrepreneurial university, and how universities are fulfilling their third mission. Findings The findings from our review of the literature demonstrated the varied economic and social benefit of universities conducting external third mission/entrepreneurial activities in the community, as well as how the changing role and expectations of universities to become more entrepreneurial, has not only changed the expectations and role of university administrators, faculty and staff but also the business community which they serve. The review also showed the varied challenges for universities in fulfilling the third mission of economic development. Research limitations/implications Although ample literature and cases about universities’ third mission of economic development and the new entrepreneurial university (especially with research universities) were available, literature or research was limited on the specific challenges and obstacles faced by administrators, faculty and departments in fulfilling this mission, and few studies recommended changes that needed to be implemented in HEIs to support this new mission. Practical/implications The paper supports the potential role that HEIs play in implementing economic development in their communities or region. The paper also highlights some of the necessary resources and policy changes that policymakers and university administrators need to implement to reward and recognize faculty in conducting outreach activities as part of the university’s third mission. Originality/value The findings from this study highlight the challenges and barriers for faculty, staff and HEIs in fulfilling the third mission and becoming an entrepreneurial university.

The impacts of higher education institutions on sustainable development

“…These works show positive impacts of outreach engagement, which is confirmed by MacPherson and Zilokowski (2005) for university-based industrial extension services. The increasing importance of outreach activities and their contribution to economic development is highlighted by Rubens et al (2017), who examined the benefits of policies that reward staff engagement in outreach activities. Several studies illustrate the impacts of local outreach activities on different populations.…”

Assessing higher education institutional stakeholders' perceptions and needs for community engagement: An empirical evidence from Uganda

“…Practitioners interface to illuminate potential problems, exchange ideas, construct tools, and create connections with peers. The process becomes a win-win situation where institutions can strengthen their academic mission, and communities can advance their social agenda ( Rubens et al., 2016 ). From the CoP perspective, HEIs can take care of the specific needs of their stakeholders.…”

The entrepreneurial university as an engine for sustainable development

“…Mindt and Rieckmann (2017) conclude that 'To date, there is no comprehensive literature review dealing with teaching-learning approaches and methods of higher education for sustainability-driven entrepreneurship'. Undoubtedly, the HEIs as they are striving to become more entrepreneurial to serve a social mission have caused a positive change to the expectations of their business partners (Rubens et al, 2017). However, this paper seeks to highlight the new avenue and defines the concept of the sustainable entrepreneurial university; the sustainable entrepreneurial university embeds the Sustainable Development Goals in all its activities and assumes the role of a key player in shaping economy, society and environment at both local and international levels.…”