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.