University-linked programmes for sustainable entrepreneurship and regional development: how and with what impact?

Abstract

State universities are increasingly being transformed from institutions with traditional teaching and research responsibilities to have a third, societal role in sustainable regional and economic development. In doing so, universities support knowledge spillovers to improve sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems that benefit economic revitalization or further development of regions. At the same time they promote stakeholder involvement in crucial governance processes at the regional level. Based on a comparative case study design building on three cases in Germany, our research analyses these interdependencies focussing on university-linked support programmes for sustainable entrepreneurship and the effects on sustainable regional development. Our findings provide a nuanced view clarifying the different roles universities have, how knowledge spillovers are created, and what outputs, outcomes, and effects are realized at the regional level and beyond. Specifically, we demonstrate that depending on the regional context, different configurations, pathways, and intervention points of universities may equally improve sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Toward an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Research Program

“…This is required for capturing the diversity and richness of entrepreneurial ecosystems and finding new measures and data-driven approaches to modeling entrepreneurial ecosystems (Leendertse et al, 2020). With new longitudinal datasets as well as 'big data' approaches and innovative data sources, researchers can advance our understanding of what constitutes entrepreneurial ecosystems and their impact on entrepreneurial behavior and economic development and vice versa (Credit et al, 2018;Schwab & Zhang, 2019;von Bloh et al, 2020). Another relevant aspect in this context are replication studies as a means to accumulate knowledge and increase confidence in our findings (Davidsson, 2004).…”

A Serial-Mediation Model to Link Entrepreneurship Education and Green Entrepreneurial Behavior: Application of Resource-Based View and Flow Theory

“…Furthermore, studies have applied multilevel strategies to address the effects of individual characteristics, university support programs, and institutional environment on entrepreneurial intention among students [ 78 ]. University experiential- learning programs provide a hands-on experience to students embedding skills and influence students for venture creation [ 79 ]. The concept of entrepreneurial university assumes diverse perspectives, but there is consensus on the importance of supporting the education of entrepreneurs and an environment conducive to innovation and entrepreneurship [ 76 ].…”

“…Wagner et al [ 79 ] posit that the university support system is essential for sustainable development in the region. According to them, the support system consists of providing incubators activities, entrepreneurial knowledge and services for green start-ups.…”

The Role of Social and Institutional Contexts in Social Innovations of Spanish Academic Spinoffs

“…Regarding the relevant role performed by TTOs in the development of social innovations, recent studies have highlighted that a growing number of universities are integrating the notions of sustainability, corporate social responsibility, and social innovation into their goals, visions, mission, and priority areas. Furthermore, the objectives of social innovation and sustainability are being incorporated into the university support system for entrepreneurship [111]. In this way, TTOs can transmit this culture and these goals to the academic entrepreneurs, which increases the likelihood of recognizing socially sustainable business opportunities.…”