The role of universities in fostering scalable ventures and innovation: A bibliometric analysis of digital transformation in academic entrepreneurship

Academic entrepreneurship plays a critical role in fostering innovation and driving economic growth within higher education institutions. With the increasing digital transformation, universities are reshaping their identities from traditional academic actors to dynamic hubs of entrepreneurial activity and innovation. This study examines the role of entrepreneurship education in fostering academic entrepreneurship, particularly in the digital age. The purpose of the research is to explore how universities contribute to the commercialization of research, the scalability of startups, and innovation capabilities through entrepreneurship education. A systematic literature review was employed to identify key trends, theories, and methodologies in academic entrepreneurship research, using bibliometric analysis to visualize thematic clusters and emerging patterns. The findings reveal significant themes, including the impact of digital technologies on entrepreneurial intentions, the role of business incubators in supporting university-based startups, and the importance of entrepreneurship education in enhancing students’ entrepreneurial skills and intentions. The study identifies gaps in the current literature, particularly the need to explore the effects of entrepreneurship education on commercialization performance and startup scalability. Furthermore, the implications for future research, urging scholars to focus on digital transformation in entrepreneurship education, university incubators, and the role of mentorship and networks in fostering academic entrepreneurship.