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Technology and talent: capturing the role of universities in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems

Aileen Huang-Saad (Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA)
Nathalie Duval-Couetil (Technology Leadership and Innovation, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA)
Jongho Park (Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA)

Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy

ISSN: 1750-6204

Publication date: 14 May 2018

Abstract

Purpose

This paper describes the entrepreneurial ecosystems of three public research universities involved in the National Science Foundation (NSF) Midwest I-Corps TM (trademark symbol) Node. It presents a synthesis of programming, functional structure, commonly referenced university metrics and their limitations in measuring impact on commercialization and regional development.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on current literature, university data and discussions with entrepreneurship leaders at the University of Michigan/Ann Arbor, University of Illinois/Urbana Champaign and Purdue University, this paper provides an overview and analysis of entrepreneurial resources and education initiatives.

Findings

University contributions to entrepreneurial ecosystems can be described with respect to infrastructure and leadership, technology and talent and culture of innovation. Four main university entities are responsible for driving entrepreneurship initiatives. Identification of these entities, their respective activities and their outcomes allows us to propose a framework for analyzing and measuring university entrepreneurial ecosystem impact.

Practical implications

The paper describes the variety of university-based entrepreneurial initiatives believed to contribute to university entrepreneurial vibrancy and ultimately regional development. It identifies ecosystem stakeholders and provides a framework for examining their role and impact for continuous development.

Originality/value

The research complements prior reviews and empirical studies of university-wide entrepreneurial ecosystems by focusing on programming within and across institutions according to four dimensions (academic, research administration, technology transfer and community engagement) with respect to technology and talent development. It describes similarities across institutions and limitations associated with measuring impact. It provides a foundation for future empirical research related to the impact of NSF I-Corps and entrepreneurial programming in academic settings.

Keywords

  • Education
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Commercialization
  • Ecosystem
  • Technology

Acknowledgements

This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1643280 (NSF:IIP). The authors would like to thank members of the entrepreneurship communities at University of Michigan/Ann Arbor, University of Illinois/Urbana Champaign and Purdue University for taking the time to discuss their entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Citation

Huang-Saad, A., Duval-Couetil, N. and Park, J. (2018), "Technology and talent: capturing the role of universities in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems", Journal of Enterprising Communities: People and Places in the Global Economy, Vol. 12 No. 2, pp. 92-116. https://doi.org/10.1108/JEC-08-2017-0070

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Emerald Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2018, Emerald Publishing Limited

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