Exploring the drivers of a university based entrepreneurial ecosystem - examples of good practice
[ 1 ] Instytut Logistyki, Wydział Inżynierii Zarządzania, Politechnika Poznańska | [ P ] employee
2023
scientific article
english
- university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem
- entrepreneurship
- start-up ecosystem
- incubators
- stakeholder
EN Purpose: The article strives for a more deeper understanding of the concept of a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem and how it can support start-ups and contribute to the regional development. The empirical purpose of the study is to diagnose the key actors and drivers, initiatives and examples of good practice of a university-based start-up ecosystem with a strong leadership of the founders center. Design/methodology/approach: The paper draws on a management science literature review, covering various approaches to the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems, using the following methods: exploration, interpretation, comparing, and analysing critical factors. The empirical research applies the method of in-depth semi-structured direct interview with experts in the field of support services to potential founders and start-ups with academic origin, the case study method, participatory observation, and reflection. The explorative qualitative study uses both descriptive and explanatory techniques. Findings: The research findings provide insight in the real nature of the university-based start-up ecosystem presenting its key stakeholders which provide a conducive environment for potential founders and start-ups. The study highlights examples of good practice implemented in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. Research limitations/implications: Research limitations of this study resulting from the analysis of a purposefully-selected case of a local university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem only do not allow formulating general conclusions. Nevertheless, it illustrates a real business practice and thus contribute to the discussion on the dilemmas associated with increasing the efficiency and sustainability of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Future research line will concern the assessment of the interdependencies among the key stakeholders of the start-up ecosystem to look for more effective cooperation. Practical implications: The examples of good practice reflected in the study prove the great commitment of the Viadrina Founders Center and its significant contribution to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the State of Brandenburg in Germany. These good practices can be an inspiration for other business incubators and local ecosystem actors. Originality/value: The originality of the conducted exploratory research lies in presenting the real business practice and challenges of the development of a university-based entrepreneurial ecosystem, and thus inspire for further analysis and extended research on problems associated with increasing the sustainability of local start-up ecosystems.
9 - 27
CC BY-NC-ND (attribution - noncommercial - no derivatives)
open journal
final published version
at the time of publication
public
100