University as an opportunity space enabler in a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem

ABSTRACT

Universities are widely recognized as key players in entrepreneurial ecosystems that support entrepreneurial activities to create economic and social value in the region. Previous research has increased our understanding about the role of universities contributing to regional economic development and entrepreneurship through knowledge transfer mechanisms, increasing human capital and innovation activity. However, little is known about the contribution of universities to the actual entrepreneurial processes in spatial context. Utilizing the case study approach, this study examines university as an ecosystem actor, focusing particularly on the enabling role of universities in entrepreneurial opportunity formation. As a result, this study provides a conceptualization of four different entrepreneurial opportunity spaces, bounded by the varying degrees of knowledge applicability and opportunity proximity. This article contributes to research on regional entrepreneurial ecosystems and on the role of universities as ecosystem actors contributing to research knowledge-based entrepreneurial opportunity formation for innovative entrepreneurship.

KEYWORDS:

• Opportunity formation
• opportunity space
• entrepreneurial ecosystems
• innovative entrepreneurship
• case study

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work is a result of the research project ‘Instigating a spark: University as the engine of regional innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystems’ funded by EkspFoundation.