University-based entrepreneurship ecosystems: a global study of six educational institutions

Abstract

This paper examines the development and sustainable growth of university-based entrepreneurship ecosystems. General patterns emerge from the qualitative review of six detailed case studies that have evolved over a minimum of two decades: three located in the USA; and one each in Latin America, Europe and Asia. It is apparent that the development of each ecosystem has occurred via alternative pathways. Although there is remarkable convergence with respect to the elements the six ecosystems have in common, there is significant variability in the strength and importance of the various elements of each of the six ecosystems. The paper highlights seven key success factors that enable each of the six universities in this study to achieve a sustainable and high-impact entrepreneurship ecosystem.