Unveiling the path to success: critical factors for success and failure of university startups

This study aims to identify the factors that influence the success and failure of university-incubated startups. A systematic review methodology based on the Methodi Ordinatio framework was employed. The research was conducted on the Science Direct, Scopus, and Web of Science databases, totaling 108 articles. After removing duplicates and articles unrelated to the theme, 43 studies remained. Applying the InOrdinatio equation refined the selection to 30 articles, reaching the saturation point of the research corpus. It was found that the maturity of innovation departments, entrepreneurial culture, intellectual property management, institutional adaptability, entrepreneurship-oriented education, gender equity, and governmental support are essential for the success of these startups. Conversely, the main challenges to failure include legal difficulties, the need to enhance educational and institutional support, restricted access to funding, the absence of mentoring networks, and the importance of aligning universities with the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem. It is concluded that the success of university-incubated startups results from a multifactorial set, essentially depending on an integrated innovative ecosystem, institutional and governmental support, and robust entrepreneurial training. At the same time, failure often reflects inadequate funding and mentorship.