From university to market: how universities promote entrepreneurship ecosystems

Resumo

Universities have been recognized as central actors in the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems, particularly through their roles in promoting innovation, supporting startups, and fostering cross-sector collaborations. This study investigates how public universities in Brazil engage in the construction and strengthening of entrepreneurship ecosystems. Drawing on a multiple case study approach, the research analyzes institutional strategies, stakeholder partnerships, and contextual barriers that shape the entrepreneurial function of universities. Data collection includes semi-structured interviews and document analysis, with ongoing fieldwork across the selected institutions. The findings indicate that Brazilian entrepreneurial universities have implemented a range of mechanisms to support startups, including internal funding programs, partnerships with intermediary organizations such as SEBRAE and FAPs, and the development of incubators, innovation agencies, and science parks. However, deep-rooted cultural barriers, such as skepticism toward market engagement and academic resistance to entrepreneurship, continue to constrain the full potential of these efforts. Despite these challenges, institutional reforms, strategic communications, and external recognition campaigns have gradually shifted perceptions and legitimized entrepreneurial activity within university environments. The study identifies key ecosystem-level outcomes resulting from these efforts: enhanced connectivity between startups and investors, interdisciplinary knowledge spillovers, the formalization of new ventures, and increased trust among ecosystem actors.