Title: ExperimentaLab: a tool for the entrepreneurial university

Authors: Valentina Iscaro; Laura Castaldi; Enrica Sepe; Claudio Turi

Addresses: Department of Economics, Second University of Naples, Corso Gran Priorato di Malta, Capua 81043, Italy ' Department of Economics, Second University of Naples, Corso Gran Priorato di Malta, Capua 81043, Italy ' Department of Economics, Management, Institutions, University of Naples Federico II, Monte Sant'Angelo, Via Cinthia, 26, Naples 80126, Italy ' Department of Economics, Second University of Naples, Corso Gran Priorato di Malta, Capua 81043, Italy

Abstract: The overall goal of this work is to provide a contribution to studies aimed at boosting the entrepreneurial activity of universities, exploring the notion and characteristics of experimental labs as tools to support aspiring entrepreneurs in turning their ideas into real start-ups. Experimental labs are networks of entrepreneurial individuals from universities, research labs, financial markets and industry who become part of an innovative ecosystem to sustain entrepreneurship. Starting from the assumption that university has to leave its 'ivory tower' and assume an active role in favouring entrepreneurship, we adopt a concrete approach. We study the structure an experimental lab may assume, analysing how to build and manage it as a means to support entrepreneurship, exploiting networks and the relational capital of the university. Finally, we design a virtual platform to generate its dynamics: the ExperimentaLab.

Keywords: experimental lab; entrepreneurial university; entrepreneurship; ExperimentaLab.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2017.086337

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2017 Vol.13 No.5/6, pp.684 - 706

Received: 11 Dec 2015
Accepted: 24 May 2016
Published online: 04 Sep 2017 *

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