The Role of Universities in the Entrepreneurship Industry: Promoting the Entrepreneurship Agenda in HEIs

It is becoming increasing clear that a new industry--the entrepreneurship industry--is in the ascendant and that universities are a part of this development. Furthermore, the idea of the entrepreneurial university has only recently entered the debate. Promoting the entrepreneurship agenda within constituencies where it is not traditionally acknowledged is a peculiar challenge that requires the adoption and adaptation of traditional selling approaches ("valorisation mechanisms"), mindful that the product on offer ("entrepreneurship") is a service. Via three case studies, the role of universities in this new industry and the role of academic entrepreneurship are highlighted. (Contains 1 figure and 8 notes.)