Title: The co-evolution of the University of Central Florida's technology incubator and the entrepreneurial infrastructure in Central Florida

Authors: Thomas O'Neal, Henriette Schoen

Addresses: UCF, Office of Research & Commercialization, 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501, Orlando, FL 32826-3246, USA. ' UCF, Office of Research & Commercialization, 12201 Research Parkway, Suite 501, Orlando, FL 32826-3246, USA

Abstract: This paper provides a real world example of regional economic development theories in practice. Interdependencies between a major research university, a science/research park, an incubator, and a metropolitan area are presented to illustrate the effects on economic development, entrepreneurship, and innovation in the region. Narrating a trajectory of events of the past 50 years of developments in and around the University of Central Florida (UCF) campus, the case highlights the central role played by the university|s incubation program in catalysing the emergence of an extensive innovation infrastructure and enabling an entrepreneurial culture in Central Florida. Synthesising theory with practice, various challenges are discussed and lessons provided for policy makers, researchers and practitioners.

Keywords: technology incubators; incubation; entrepreneurship; innovation; agency theory; growth pole theory; regional development; economic development; entrepreneurial infrastructure; USA; United States; university research; universities; science parks; entrepreneurial culture.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2011.038860

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2011 Vol.13 No.2, pp.225 - 242

Published online: 30 Sep 2014 *

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