Title: Bridging town and gown: best practice? An essay on growing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem

Authors: Norris Krueger

Addresses: Entrepreneurship Northwest, Suite 304, 1632 South Riverstone Lane, Boise ID 83706, USA

Abstract: Dating back to the Middle Ages, universities and cities have co-existed awkwardly. Cities want to perceive universities as a resource; universities perceive their host cities as a support system for them. Yet this article suggests that the potential to be realised from genuine collaboration is enormous. Three potentially huge payoffs for both 'town' and 'gown' are identified: creating innovation; creating jobs; creating community. Eight key principles are identified and the issues raised are discussed. Questions for the community to ask the university and vice versa are outlined.

Keywords: universities; local business; local entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial ecosystems; higher education; local communities; collaboration; innovation; employment.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBG.2012.050903

International Journal of Business and Globalisation, 2012 Vol.9 No.4, pp.347 - 358

Published online: 20 Aug 2014 *

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