Pathways to Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Universities for Inclusive Ecosystem Development

Addressing Europe’s innovation gap, this book argues that entrepreneurship education - when designed as a participatory, transdisciplinary, and place-sensitive practice - can transform universities into enablers of inclusive regional ecosystems. Moving beyond linear models of technology transfer, it develops a framework that links higher education, innovation policy, and territorial development. Drawing on Southern Italy as a strategic observatory for peripheral regions of Europe and beyond, the book blends theoretical reflection, empirical research, and policy analysis. Part I (Chapters 1-3) introduces the conceptual tools for diagnosing both the structural gaps and the latent opportunities in the interaction between universities and moderately innovative regions. Part II (Chapters 4-6) turns to experimentation, presenting the Pathways to Innovation and Entrepreneurship initiative - a collaboration between the University of Naples Federico II and Cornell Tech, supported by the US Diplomatic Mission to Italy. This initiative fostered innovation competencies, transdisciplinary learning, and applied research for place-based development. By advancing a glocal model of ecosystem development, the book provides fresh insights for students and scholars in innovation studies, regional science and public policy. The book also addresses national and international decision-makers, regional development actors, university leaders, managers of technology transfer, and entrepreneurship education seeking to convert global innovation challenges into local opportunities for economic renewal, social inclusion, and democratic engagement.