Mechanisms for facilitating academic entrepreneurship in higher education

What is it about?

The commercialization of research generated by universities plays a crucial role in the realm of academic entrepreneurship (AE). Existing academic literature highlights the necessity of shedding light on entrepreneurial processes within higher education institutions (HEIs). This study aims to bridge this gap by investigating the mechanisms that facilitate AE and the variables that may moderate the relationship between these mechanisms and AE in Portuguese HEIs. To achieve this objective, our research model focuses on evaluating the mechanisms of entrepreneurial activities within a sample of 125 Portuguese public HEIs. We employed a structural equation model (SEM) using the partial least squares (PLS) method to test our research hypotheses. Additionally, we explore the potential moderating effects of incubator programs, support initiatives, and proof-of-concept programs (PoCs). The measurement of the seven variables (Research mobilization, Unconventionality, Industry collaboration, University policies, Incubator programs and support initiatives, Proof-of-concept programs, and academic entrepreneurship) was conducted using a 7-point Likert scale. Additionally, our results demonstrate the moderating effects of incubator programs, support initiatives, and proof-of-concept programs on AE.

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