Entrepreneurial universities: the role of communities, people and places

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to introduce the special issue about entrepreneurial universities. The paper focuses on the reasons for their importance in global communities. Design/methodology/approach The literature about entrepreneurial universities is reviewed with a focus on the role of communities, people and places. Findings Entrepreneurial universities need to consider the people in society in terms of how they relate to learning, education and teaching about new ideas and business practices. Research limitations/implications It is important in the increasingly connected global economy that universities be seen as the drivers of the entrepreneurial society, which helps place people at the centre of educational communities. Practical implications This paper has suggestions for educational managers and business people interested in connecting with entrepreneurial universities and their place in the society. Originality/value This value of this paper is that it includes the main ideas from the special issue in terms of how entrepreneurial universities are fostering a connected society that places people, places and communities at the forefront of the change.