Mutualism in ecosystems of innovation and entrepreneurship: A bidirectional perspective on universities’ linkages

Paola Rücker Schaeffer, Maribel Guerrero and Bruno Brandão Fischer

Journal of Business Research, 2021, vol. 134, issue C, 184-197

Abstract: The accumulation of knowledge that explains universities’ contributions to innovation and entrepreneurship’s regional eco-systems has mainly adopted a perspective based on technology transfer processes from academia to markets. Alternatively, in this study, we assume the notion of mutualism, based on the biomimetic rationale of eco-system studies that involve bidirectional flows of resources and capabilities to generate interactions and value co-creation among agents. This study theorizes about the interrelation between universities and eco-system actors in two directions: (a) universities fostering and improving eco-systems through their core activities; and (b) eco-system actors shaping capabilities and access to resources for universities. Based on the analysis of five eco-systems in the state of São Paulo, Brazil, our results underscore the existence of mutualism in the relationships established between universities and eco-system agents. The findings also highlighted implications related to the coordination of policies and the need for strategic management practices in mutualistic interactions.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial Universities; Innovation Ecosystems; Entrepreneurship Ecosystems; Bidirectional relationships; University-Industry Collaboration; Emerging Countries (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:jbrese:v:134:y:2021:i:c:p:184-197

DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.05.039

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