The role of digital transformation in shaping academic entrepreneurship
This study examines how digital transformation influences academic entrepreneurship in Middle Eastern universities by exploring the interconnections among digital infrastructure, digital skills, social networks, technology adoption, and regulatory frameworks. Academic entrepreneurship, which involve...
| Autores: | , , |
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| Tipo de recurso: | artículo |
| Fecha de publicación: | 2025 |
| País: | España |
| Institución: | Universidad de Alcalá (UAH) |
| Repositorio: | e_Buah Biblioteca Digital Universidad de Alcalá |
| Idioma: | inglés |
| OAI Identifier: | oai:ebuah.uah.es:10017/65495 |
| Acceso en línea: | http://hdl.handle.net/10017/65495 https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.ecores.2025.100002 |
| Access Level: | acceso abierto |
| Palabra clave: | Digital skills Digital infrastructure Social networks Technology adoption Regulatory framework Academic entrepreneurship Economía Empresa Economics Management science |
| Sumario: | This study examines how digital transformation influences academic entrepreneurship in Middle Eastern universities by exploring the interconnections among digital infrastructure, digital skills, social networks, technology adoption, and regulatory frameworks. Academic entrepreneurship, which involves commercializing academic research and innovation, is critical to regional economic growth and knowledge-based development. However, the Middle East faces challenges such as an underdeveloped digital infrastructure, limited digital literacy among faculty, and insufficient institutional and policy support. Drawing on survey data from 700 academic staff across the region, this quantitative research applies Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to investigate how digital enablers impact entrepreneurial outcomes. Results demonstrate that digital infrastructure, advanced digital skills, and robust social networks significantly enhance technology adoption, which drives academic entrepreneurship. Moreover, a supportive regulatory environment positively moderates the relationship between technology adoption and entrepreneurial activity, amplifying the benefits of digital transformation. The findings underscore the importance of integrated digital strategies, regulatory reform, and institutional capacity building in promoting academic entrepreneurship. This research offers practical implications for policymakers, university administrators, and innovation stakeholders seeking to cultivate knowledge economies in the Middle East. It also contributes to the global discourse on digital transformation by highlighting contextspecific challenges and opportunities within developing regions. Recommendations include investing in shared digital infrastructure, fostering digital upskilling programs, and streamlining regulatory frameworks to encourage the commercialization of academic research. The study fills a critical gap in the literature and provides a foundation for future research on digital entrepreneurship in emerging markets. |
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