University entrepreneurship ecosystems that foster faculty engagement and entrepreneurial leadership: evidence from Bolivia

A study conducted in southern Bolivia found that the university's entrepreneurial ecosystem significantly influences faculty commitment to entrepreneurial activities and fosters entrepreneurial leadership. While the ecosystem's direct impact on faculty engagement and leadership is positive, the evidence regarding the role of entrepreneurial leadership and innovative culture in mediating this relationship requires further validation.

Why it matters

Understanding the mechanisms by which university ecosystems foster faculty engagement in entrepreneurial activities is crucial for developing innovative institutions. This research provides evidence that a supportive ecosystem directly contributes to both faculty commitment and leadership in entrepreneurship, indicating a clear path for institutional development to promote innovation and economic impact.

Key insights

• The university's entrepreneurial ecosystem positively and significantly influences faculty commitment to entrepreneurial activity (β = 0.317; p < 0.05).
• The university's entrepreneurial ecosystem positively and significantly influences entrepreneurial leadership (β = 0.086; p < 0.05).
• Insufficient evidence was found to validate the role of entrepreneurial leadership and innovative culture in fully explaining the relationship between the ecosystem and faculty commitment.
• Faculty members are increasingly recognized as key actors in the evolving concept of the entrepreneurial university.

Source

Frontiers in Education — https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2026.1888107