Entrepreneurship University: proposition of theoretical model

Abstract

The objective of this article was to propose a set of elements that characterize entrepreneurial universities. We revisited the literature from the seminal articles until 2017 and, starting from 289 studies. After that, we selected and analyzed qualitatively 13 articles for the proposition of the theoretical model, which made possible the understanding of the characteristics of the entrepreneurial universities. We grouped the theoretical elements and related them into dimensions that, after being refined, supported the proposition of the theoretical model for empirical analysis of the entrepreneurial universities. This analysis made it possible to understand the characteristics of the entrepreneurial universities as a way to answer demands from society. The results presented and discussed can help universities to expand their social role, with their entrepreneurial ecosystem, and to adopt actions aimed at local, regional, national and international development, integrating teaching, research, extension and innovation. As an academic contribution, this study links the characteristics of entrepreneurial universities, integrates these characteristics into dimensions for understanding the differences between traditional and entrepreneurial universities, and can serve as a starting point for other empirical studies. We suggest future empirical researches to validate the identified elements and / or to add other elements that could compose an entrepreneurial university.