Investigating university-industry collaborations for sustainable entrepreneurship

Integrating sustainability into entrepreneurship education is becoming increasingly prevalent. Nonetheless, there has been limited empirical research on how higher education institutions (HEIs) operationalize this approach in the context of industry collaboration. Further, existing frameworks overlook the dynamics of tension, as demonstrated by prior research. This study explores how HEIs and industry partners jointly develop and sustain entrepreneurship programs focused on sustainability. The study outlines a process model consisting of four stages: Sustainability Foundation, Synergy Hub and Pedagogy, Strategic Partnerships, and Enduring Ecosystems. According to the model, HEI-industry collaboration requires specific elements arranged in an appropriate sequence, with active tension management at each stage. In this sense, this study provides theoretical understandings that offer a dynamic, processual framework that integrates sustainability principles into entrepreneurship education. This study provides practical guidance for HEIs and industry partners on developing a sustainable entrepreneurship program through a staged, adaptive collaboration.