Designing A Conceptual Model for an Entrepreneurial University; Using Corporate Entrepreneurship Approach

Entrepreneurial university, as the third-generation of universities, undertakes the mission of economic and social development in countries. Since entrepreneurial university is considered as a change factor in societies, the investigation of its mission and creation has gained increasing attention in recent studies. This study identifies the principles of entrepreneurial university through reviewing the literature; furthermore, the output of corporate entrepreneurial activities has been recognized in the universities. The research used narative qualitative method via deep semi-structured interviews. The 15 individuals for the interview were selected out of those authors from university experts who had 10 years of executive experience in the field of entrepreneurship. The final framework of the research was made through content analysis of the interviews. Findings demonstrate that an entrepreneurial university model from the viewpoint of corporate entrepreneurship includes the following elements: learners’ quality, release of scientific findings, absorbing financial resources, research contracts, patents, creating spin-offs, establishing technology parks, entrepreneurial organizational culture, flexible organizational structure, entrepreneurial approach of university professors, macro managing, course contents, and students’ characteristics.