Can universities play an active role in fostering entrepreneurship in emerging ecosystems? A case study of the University of São Paulo. (2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ribeiro, Artur Tavares Vilas Boas; Zancul, Eduardo De Senzi; Axel-Berg, Justin Hugo; Plonski, Guilherme Ary
• Is Part Of: International journal of innovation and regional development. Volume 8:Number 1(2018)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 22
• Publication Date: 2018
• Subjects: entrepreneurship -- entrepreneurship ecosystems -- entrepreneurial universities -- startups -- venture creation -- university -- third mission -- technology development -- new business -- economic development; Regional planning -- Periodicals; Community development -- Periodicals; Technological innovations -- Periodicals; 307.105
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1753-0660

Abstract

The present study aims to identify patterns and roles that can be played by research universities in emerging entrepreneurship ecosystems. Its methodology is based on a case study of the University of São Paulo, analysing three startups born inside the university and the characteristics of its development processes. As a conclusion, we identify strategies to deal with bottlenecks and enhancers of an emerging entrepreneurship ecosystem, as well as patterns on how a university can stimulate entrepreneurship in a context of regional constraints – such as: 1) building interfaces between academic environments; 2) applying processes such as customer development using university capabilities; 3) empowering grassroots movements for entrepreneurship.