Entrepreneurial Universities: Examining the role of universities as sustainable innovation change catalyst for regional development.

Majeed, Muhammad Asim (2025) Entrepreneurial Universities: Examining the role of universities as sustainable innovation change catalyst for regional development. Doctoral thesis, Birmingham City University.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the evolving role of universities as sustainable innovation change catalyst for the regional development, positioning them not merely as educational institutions but as entrepreneurial hubs embedded within broader societal and economic ecosystems. Rooted in the growing discourse around the Triple Helix and Quintuple Helix models, the study is contextualized against the backdrop of increasing global emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and knowledge-driven economies. It critically examines how universities can shift from passive knowledge disseminators to active catalysts for social innovation, industry collaboration, and regional transformation.

Methodologically, this research employed a robust multi-method design combining primary qualitative data collection through six focused group discussions across three university settings which included Birmingham City University, QA Higher Education, and Ulster University with complementary secondary data was analysed. Data was analysed using thematic analysis within the NVIVO environment, allowing for the identification of key patterns and thematic clusters that reflect both disciplinary perspectives and institutional experiences.

The findings underscore universities’ expanding role in facilitating innovation ecosystems by fostering industry partnerships, community engagement, and entrepreneurial education. It offers an original contribution by advancing the conceptual understanding of the Triple Helix model into a Quintuple Helix framework, one that incorporates societal and environmental dimensions alongside academia, industry, and government.

This thesis contributes significantly to new knowledge by providing empirical evidence of universities' integrative roles in innovation-led regional development, while also offering a grounded framework for policymakers and academic leaders to rethink institutional strategies. It bridges the gap between theoretical models and practical application, emphasizing the strategic necessity of aligning university functions with sustainability imperatives and regional socio-economic goals.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Dates:	Date Event 14 April 2025 Accepted
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Entrepreneurial, Innovation, Regional Development.
Subjects:	CAH15 - social sciences > CAH15-02 - economics > CAH15-02-01 - economics CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-01 - business and management (non-specific) CAH17 - business and management > CAH17-01 - business and management > CAH17-01-02 - business studies CAH22 - education and teaching > CAH22-01 - education and teaching > CAH22-01-01 - education
Divisions:	Doctoral Research College > Doctoral Theses Collection Faculty of Business, Law and Social Sciences > College of Business, Digital Transformation & Entrepreneurship
Depositing User:	Louise Muldowney
Date Deposited:	15 May 2025 12:18
Last Modified:	15 May 2025 12:18
URI:	https://www.open-access.bcu.ac.uk/id/eprint/16354