Enabling university and regional conditions to create a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem

Abstract

ABSTRACT Can higher education institutions (HEIs) create conditions for a thriving entrepreneur ecosystem? This study analyzed HEIs’ innovation output and measured university leader (UL) perceptions and attitudes toward innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems (EE) by examining medium-sized HEIs with $200 to $300 M in research expenditures located in cities with a population of 250,000 to 500,000 to determine potential gaps in developing entrepreneurs and spurring start-up opportunity. A mixed-method design investigated HEIs’ innovation by building on existing frameworks to identify common attributes of an EE. Given the complexity, challenges, and underdeveloped literature associated with EEs, this article tested a proposed framework for ULs, scholars, practitioners, and policy makers to inform decisions for increased innovation output and start-up creation. The results provide practical recommendations on how leaders can create conditions to spur continued innovation and entrepreneur opportunity for organic start-up growth and economic development.