Universities as catalysts of regional entrepreneurship: evidence from entrepreneurial ecosystems in the State of Mexico

Author : Israel Patino Galvan

Abstract : This study examines how universities act as catalysts of regional entrepreneurship by integrating entrepreneurial ecosystem, entrepreneurial university, Triple/Quadruple Helix, and regional innovation system perspectives within an explanatory framework applied to the State of Mexico. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design was adopted. Data were collected from a probabilistic sample of 381 higher-education professors through the RUCER–V2 instrument, composed of 20 items grouped into seven constructs. Descriptive analysis shows moderate perceptions of knowledge transfer and innovation, university–business–government linkage, and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem performance. In contrast, ecosystem network articulation and institutional–territorial conditions obtained the lowest scores, revealing structural constraints that limit the effectiveness of university-led entrepreneurship initiatives. The measurement model showed adequate internal consistency and convergent validity, with satisfactory composite reliability and average variance extracted across all constructs. The findings indicate that the catalytic role of universities depends on the alignment of institutional capabilities, intermediation mechanisms, ecosystem networks, and territorial conditions. The study contributes a multidimensional and replicable diagnostic framework to support university strategy, ecosystem governance, and place-based entrepreneurship policies in emerging-economy regions.

Keywords : Entrepreneurial ecosystems, university catalytic role, Triple/Quadruple Helix, knowledge transfer, ecosystem networks.

Conference Name : International Conference on Investment, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship (ICIIE - 26)

Conference Place : Mexico City, Mexico

Conference Date : 9th Oct 2026