Academic Entrepreneurship and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Dynamics

Mini Track Chairs: Sara Proença and João Ferreira, Polytechnic University of Coimbra & CERNAS – Research Center for Natural Resources, Environment and Society, Portugal Universidade da Beira Interior & NECE – Research Center for Business Sciences, Portugal

Universities are increasingly recognized as key players in entrepreneurial ecosystems, promoting innovation, human capital development, and regional competitiveness. However, despite rising scholarly interest, how university-based entrepreneurial activities impact broader ecosystem dynamics is only partly understood and strongly influenced by institutional and policy contexts. This mini track invites theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented contributions that examine the multifaceted relationships between academic entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystem dynamics. Particular emphasis is placed on cross-national analyses, contextual moderators, and causal mechanisms that explain how universities generate, transfer, and amplify entrepreneurial value across different environments. We welcome submissions employing a wide range of methodological approaches, including quantitative methods (such as econometric modelling), qualitative analyses (such as comparative case studies), literature reviews (including bibliometric analyses), and policy evaluations. This track seeks to foster a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic role of universities play within entrepreneurial ecosystems and to generate evidence-based insights that can guide the development of more effective academic, regional, and national entrepreneurship policies.

• The impact of academic entrepreneurship on entrepreneurial ecosystem performance and sustainability.
• Comparative studies of university entrepreneurial ecosystems across countries or regions.
• Measurement frameworks and indicators for academic entrepreneurship and innovation capacity.
• The moderating role of institutional and policy environments in influencing university impacts.
• Knowledge spillover theory and its implications for academic entrepreneurship.
• Policy and governance mechanisms that foster resilient and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Technology Transfer Processes and Innovation Systems

Mini Track Chairs: Andreea Maria Gabriela MIlitaru

Technology transfer processes play a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and practical application. Tech transfer involves the movement of knowledge, skills, and technologies between organizations, especially essential for universities fostering innovation. This research topic is particularly relevant in contemporary settings where the adoption of technologies can impact various industries. One of the key aspects of performant tech transfer is smoothing the processes related to valorisation and facilitating the commercial use of technologies by granting rights to other parties. By addressing this research theme for the mini-track, participants can better understand the complexities involved in bringing new technologies to market, as well as the complexities of the stakeholders involved.

• Regional/National Innovation Systems
• Technology transfer processes within research organizations and HEIs
• Stakeholders’ involvement in tech transfer processes
• Technology transfer and sustainability connection

Beyond Profit: Rethinking Business Models for a Sustainable Future

Mini Track Chairs: Ludmiła Walaszczyk, Lukasiewicz – Institute for Sustainable Technologies, Radom, Poland

The transition toward sustainability requires a fundamental rethinking of how organizations create, deliver, and capture value. Traditional business models focused primarily on financial performance are increasingly challenged by environmental constraints, social expectations, and regulatory pressures. This mini track explores how businesses can move beyond profit maximization and integrate sustainability into the core of their strategic and operational design. We invite conceptual, empirical, and case-based contributions that examine innovative approaches to sustainable business model design, including circular economy practices, regenerative and collaborative models, and the integration of digital technologies to support sustainability transitions. Of particular interest are studies that explore how firms measure, communicate, and balance the triple bottom line – people, planet, and profit – while remaining competitive in dynamic markets. The track aims to foster dialogue among scholars and practitioners from diverse disciplines, including management, entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainability studies. By showcasing emerging frameworks, tools, and real-world examples, this session will contribute to a deeper understanding of how sustainable business models can drive systemic change toward a more resilient and equitable economy.

• Innovative frameworks and tools for designing sustainable business models
• Integration of circular economy principles into existing value chains
• Integrating ESG principles into core business models and strategic decision-making
• Digital transformation as an enabler of sustainable and regenerative business models
• Collaborative and cross-sector partnerships driving sustainability transitions
• Strategies for aligning profitability with environmental and social value creation

Women in Intelligent Systems and Entrepreneurship

Mini Track Chairs: Dr Souad Slyman,University of Roehampton, London, UK

This mini-track explores the intersection of gender, artificial intelligence (AI), and entrepreneurship, with a focus on advancing women’s participation, leadership, and innovation within intelligent systems. As AI and data-driven technologies reshape industries, women remain underrepresented in both technical and entrepreneurial domains. This track invites theoretical, empirical, and practice-oriented contributions that examine how women engage with intelligent systems as innovators, founders, researchers, and policy influencers. Key themes include gender-inclusive design and development of AI systems, barriers and enablers to women’s entrepreneurship in technology-intensive sectors, leadership models for inclusive innovation, and strategies for fostering equitable participation across the AI ecosystem. The track also welcomes interdisciplinary perspectives that address education, ethics, and policy dimensions influencing women’s access to AI entrepreneurship opportunities. By bringing together scholars, practitioners, and policymakers, this mini-track aims to create a dialogue on how intelligent systems can be leveraged to empower women as creators and decision-makers, rather than mere users, of technology. Ultimately, the discussion seeks to contribute to a more diverse, ethical, and socially responsible AI and entrepreneurial landscape.

• Women’s empowerment through intelligent systems and AI-enabled entrepreneurship
• Women’s leadership, innovation, and participation in AI-driven entrepreneurial ecosystems
• Socio-economic, ethical, and policy frameworks that promote women equity and empowerment in AI entrepreneurship
• Education, mentoring, and digital skills development for empowering women in intelligent systems
• Interdisciplinary and cross-sector approaches to advancing women’s agency, visibility, and impact in AI and entrepreneurship.