Universidade Empreendedora e o desenvolvimento sustentável: Um estudo multicaso em Instituições de Ensino Superior Público na Região Oeste do Paraná

Abstract

Universities have faced significant changes over the years. Initially, they focused solely on teaching, but later, they incorporated research as an essential aspect. However, the increased value of entrepreneurship, globalization, and the need for solutions to social and economic demands forced higher education institutions to adapt their mission to societal transformations, incorporating entrepreneurship through innovation ecosystems. In this context, Entrepreneurial Universities emerged, characterized by partnerships between universities, government, industry, and later, society, and the environment, according to the Triple, Quadruple, and Quintuple Helix models. As these models expanded, rankings emerged that evaluate these universities considering various dimensions. Given the above, this study aimed to analyze the practices of Entrepreneurial Universities that collaborate toward Sustainable Development in Public Higher Education Institutions in the Western Region of Paraná. To address the research problem and meet the related objectives, the methodology adopted was qualitative and descriptive, adopting a multiple case study approach. This approach allowed us to explore how these universities align their practices with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results revealed that the entrepreneurial universities analyzed play fundamental roles in strengthening regional and sustainable development. Through initiatives such as incubators, technology parks, junior companies, and outreach projects, these institutions have promoted innovation, social inclusion, and environmental preservation. Furthermore, some structural and cultural challenges were identified, addressed with strategies that integrate academia, the market, and society. It is noteworthy that the practices analyzed reflect alignment with the evolutionary Quintuple Helix model, which incorporates sustainability as a driving force for regional progress. Therefore, the study also suggests improvements through guidelines reinforcing the positive impact of these institutions on achieving the SDGs.