University entrepreneurship as a driver of local development in Latin America: a triple helix approach

University entrepreneurship has become a key driver of local and regional development in Latin America. It combines academic training, innovation, and territorial connections. This documentary article analyzes the role of university entrepreneurship as a driver of local development from the Triple Helix perspective, which emphasizes interaction among universities, businesses, and governments. To this end, the analysis is complemented by a review of academic literature and international reports, as well as contributions from theories on entrepreneurial capital, social innovation, social capital, and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings reveal that although progress has been made in implementing incubators and developing entrepreneurial skills, limitations related to weak inter-institutional coordination, limited financial sustainability, and a lack of impact metrics persist. The article concludes that strengthening the university entrepreneurial ecosystem requires comprehensive public policies, structural cooperation strategies, and incorporating a territorial vision of innovation.