| Title | Advancing sustainable entrepreneurial universities: sustainability transformations of university business incubators in Germany |
|---|---|
| ID_Doc | 78092 |
| Authors | Karahan, M |
| Title | Advancing sustainable entrepreneurial universities: sustainability transformations of university business incubators in Germany |
| Year | 2024 |
| Published | Small Business Economics, 63, 2 |
| Abstract | Given the profound environmental and societal challenges, many higher education institutions (HEI) have adopted sustainability as a central mission to induce desirable societal impacts. While previous research investigated the transformation processes of HEIs toward sustainability, few studies took an explicit entrepreneurial perspective and questioned its implications for the Entrepreneurial University (EU) model. To address this gap, our study explores the emergence and pursuit of a Sustainable Entrepreneurial University (SEU). We specifically focus on the role of sustainable university business incubators (UBIs) as primary institutions of entrepreneurship within the SEU model. Using a multiple-case study of four German UBIs, we illustrate how they embarked on their sustainability journey, developed internal capacities to support sustainable entrepreneurship, and overcame various barriers during their transformation trajectories. Our analysis identifies six distinct sustainability transformation stages and proposes a stylized model to explain the emergence of sustainability in UBIs. Based on these findings, our study discusses several theoretical implications for the SEU. We illustrate that SEU sustainability impacts evolve over time and that continuous leadership commitment is a mediating factor. Moreover, our results suggest that SEUs strategically engage in external partnerships with alternating functions. Given the urgency to promote sustainable entrepreneurship in HEIs, the study concludes with several practical recommendations for practitioners and policymakers. Moreover, it offers suggestions for future research to explore the potential of SEUs and their contribution to addressing pressing societal and ecological challenges. University startups as catalyzers for sustainable impact- How university business incubators adopt sustainability missions and rethink startup support. In a world challenged by significant environmental and societal issues, many universities increasingly incorporate sustainability into their missions to make a positive impact. Our research takes an entrepreneurial perspective and focuses on the role of university business incubators in this transformation. By examining four German cases, we explore how these incubators adopted sustainability as a central mission, developed internal capacities to support sustainable startups, and addressed various challenges during their transformation. Our study outlines six distinct stages in the sustainability transformation of university business incubators, highlighting critical factors such as the enduring commitment of leadership and the strategic importance of external partnerships. Drawing from our findings, we discuss the implications of realizing the Sustainable Entrepreneurial University model, which promotes sustainability through entrepreneurship. Our research serves as a valuable resource for managers and staff looking to promote sustainability within business incubators and provides guidance for policymakers and university leaders working to develop effective startup strategies in response to societal and environmental challenges. |
| https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11187-023-00860-5.pdf |
Similar Articles
| ID | Score | Article |
|---|---|---|
17818
|
Yilmaz, T; Keskin, H; Aksoy, Z Effects Of Entrepreneurial Universities On Economic, Social And Cultural Sustainability(2022) | |
| 65308
|
Karahan, M; Rashid, L; Kratzer, J Gearing-up for purpose: The relationship between entrepreneurs? usage of incubation support services and sustainable impacts(2022) | |
| 71551
|
Chaudhary, S; Kaur, P; Alofysan, H; Halberstadt, J; Dhir, A Connecting the dots? Entrepreneurial ecosystems and sustainable entrepreneurship as pathways to sustainability(2023)Business Strategy And The Environment, 32.0, 8 | |
| 70890
|
Coman, A Education and entrepreneurship: Drivers for sustainable development(2008)Human Systems Management, 27.0, 3 | |
| 70619
|
Wagner, M; Schaltegger, S; Hansen, EG; Fichter, K University-linked programmes for sustainable entrepreneurship and regional development: how and with what impact?(2021)Small Business Economics, 56, 3 | |
| 72959
|
Voldsund, KH; Hasleberg, H; Bragelien, JJ Entrepreneurship Education Through Sustainable Value Creation(2020) | |
| 74550
|
Purcell, WM; Henriksen, H; Spengler, JD Universities as the engine of transformational sustainability toward delivering the sustainable development goals "Living labs" for sustainability(2019)International Journal Of Sustainability In Higher Education, 20, 8 | |
| 34453
|
Giovanelli, L; Rotondo, F; Ezza, A Business models for integration of sustainability in universities: An explorative analysis of Italian state universities(2021) | |
| 70325
|
Fabregà, MB How Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Helps to Sustainable Development at the Local Level: The Case of Tecnocampus(2018) | |
| 34466
|
Badulescu, D; Bungau, C; Badulescu, A Sustainable Development Through Sustainable Businesses. An Empirical Research Among Master Students(2015)Journal Of Environmental Protection And Ecology, 16, 3 |