Assessment model of university innovation ecosystems in ASEAN

Abstract

This study is concerned with the development, testing, and commercialization of an assessment model for university innovation ecosystems, for use in Asian universities. The research was motivated by a combination of two key issues, including the relatively new introduction of innovation as the university objective in Asian universities, and the lack of inward-focused, development-oriented models for university innovation ecosystems. The assessment model is designed to both standardize innovation ecosystem assessment, and provide internal developmental information for universities on a path toward innovation and entrepreneurial universities. The preliminary assessment was developed through reference to several existing innovation ecosystem assessment models, which were evaluated for their application to current innovation ecosystem standards and expert consensus. In the primary research, an assessment model was tested and refined using a multi-stage process, which included a Delphi stud (n = 40) an expert survey (n = 418), and nomological testing (n = 459) using a second expert survey, followed by development and validation of an assessment rubric using university case studies (n = 3). The Delphi study established an instrument that included 91 items distributed across four dimensions (Leaders and Governors, Educators, Innovators, and Connectors). The expert survey, which was analyzed using structural equation modeling, reduced the number of items to 64, while confirming the model structure. The nomological testing confirmed the model structure. The validation case studies illustrated it could be used in practice. Thus, the model, formally called the ASEAN University Innovation Ecosystem Assessment (AUIEA) model, was found to be satisfactory. Given these satisfactory results, the second half of the research was developed to questions of implementation, including website development planning, a business model, and business plan. The business plan is targeted to use as the final model as the basis for innovation consulting in the educational sector, offering basic or enhanced consulting services. Therefore the objectives of the study work, including through the development of the assessment model and the business model for its commercialization. The study’s implications include both academic and practical recommendations for assessment of university innovation ecosystems.