Moving from a Traditional into an Entrepreneurial University: Evidencing from Palestine

Abstract

This research paper analyzes current entrepreneurial characteristics of the Palestinian universities; and presents the identification of what is necessary to become an entrepreneurial university. The research paper combines a literature review with findings of a mixed methods study applying the entrepreneurial university framework of the European Commission/ OECD. The researcher followed a structured survey with convenient sampling of (200) respondents from four local universities, and in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion comprising university top-management, faculty, students and external stakeholders. Findings indicate that entrepreneurial activities in the Palestinian universities are at their infant stage. The research paper recommends issues these universities need to overcome in order to move from traditional universities into entrepreneurial ones. Entrepreneurial development is a priority in Palestine as an instrument for employability of the predominant young populations towards which universities are expected to contribute considerably.