The approaches for the development of Rajabhat University towards entrepreneurial university

Abstract

This qualitative research explores how Rajabhat University (RU) defines and constructs the concept of an entrepreneurial university. Multi-site studies at four institutions in the RU system were conducted using in-depth interview. Key informants included policy-maker-level administrators, faculty-level administrators, faculty members, and administrators of the university’s local partners, both public and private sectors. 30 key informants in total. Findings reveal four distinct interpretations of entrepreneurial universities: (1) commercial entrepreneurial university (CEU), emphasizing collaborations, income generation from commercial activities, and research outcomes; (2) local innovative entrepreneurial university (LIEU), focusing on joint ventures with local sectors for unique innovation; (3) social entrepreneurial university (SEU), integrating entrepreneurship education and social missions for community and economic betterment; and (4) holistic entrepreneurial university (HEU), combining income generation, human resource development, research patenting, and community quality enhancement. The study suggests empirical approaches aligned with these interpretations to establish entrepreneurial universities, enabling each institution to make informed decisions based on its strengths and contributions to social development. Key recommendations include the need for a clear understanding of the entrepreneurial university concept for effective planning.