TYPOLOGY OF INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS UNIVERSITY-BASED INNOVATION ECOSYSTEMS ENTREPRENEURS IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

Abstract

Purpose- This paper explores the typology of innovation ecosystems obtained from the literature review which university-based innovation ecosystems in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) universities on the entrepreneurial subdivision of the innovation ecosystem and terms it an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Methodology- The aims of this study is qualitative in nature, while reflecting its exploratory nature and the absence of any previous work on university Typology of innovation in the UAE. A list of all UAE universities from the Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA) will be used as primary research. Secondary sources and used as a sampling frame. The sampling procedure involved contacting the universities or colleges. Findings- The Centre of Excellence for Applied Research and Training (CERT) at Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) Established in 1996 the first center to adopt entrepreneurial initiatives. The UAEU Science and Innovation Park (UAEU-SIP) and Start AD, NYU Abu Dhabi both established in 2016 as the first concepts of innovation and incubator centers in the UAE universities. The UAE Government and Local government are the biggest supporters of universities, and with limited support from the private sector. Due to the early stage of those incubators and centers, with building a skilled workforce with entrepreneurial mindsets, the outcomes of incubated startups are expected to emerge after some time. Conclusion- This study focused only on universities located in the UAE which it's an emerging country. This study focused on university incubators or Innovation Centers only as introduced above more research is required on university-based innovation ecosystems' reach and strategic context. Keywords: Entrepreneurial, Ecosystem, Typology of innovation,UAE, University-based innovation JEL Codes: O30, O31