Framing the main patterns of an academic innovation ecosystem. Evidence from a knowledge- intensive case study

Purpose – This research aims to shed new lights on the most shared constructs developed on Innovation Ecosystems, Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Technology Transfer Ecosystem proposing an additional stand-alone ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach – This research is built upon a qual-quantitative analysis of an empirical case. The latter analysis is performed through a single case study methodology on the San Giovanni Hub of the Federico II University of Naples. Findings – Evidence show how a technological hub orchestrates three main ecosystems for the knowledge exploitation: the technology transfer ecosystem, devoted to gathering knowledge from universities’ labs towards industries; the innovation ecosystem, able to manage the exploration and exploitation of new knowledge and techniques; the entrepreneurial ecosystem, that supports startup/spinoff creation process. Research limitations/implications – Limitations mainly concern the fact that it is centred on just one case study. Practical implications – Practical implications imply new opportunities for collaboration involving different stakeholders as university administrators, researchers, businesses and policymakers, creating a supportive environment for innovation. Originality/value – The research offers a new vision about the role of Universities as creators and enablers of ecosystems pursuing diverse value propositions. The Academic Innovation Ecosystem is a new conceptualization of this role played by a university, and it can convey innovation and entrepreneurial attitude within its ecosystem leveraging on the transfer of university knowledge and technology.