Universities and innovation ecosystems: A bibliometric perspective on structures, governance, and university–industry engagement

Abstract

In the context of increasing globalization and digital interconnectivity, innovation ecosystems have become central to regional and national development strategies. Universities have expanded their traditional missions of teaching and research to play a strategic role in fostering collaboration among industry, government, and society. Despite this relevance, university leaders and policymakers face challenges in designing institutional structures and governance arrangements that effectively support industry engagement and innovation outcomes. This study analyzes the scientific landscape on universities and innovation ecosystems through a structured literature review combined with a bibliometric analysis of publications indexed in the Scopus database between 2005 and 2025. The analysis identifies thematic clusters, collaboration patterns, leading countries, and emerging research directions related to university innovation environments and institutional governance. The findings reveal sustained growth in scientific production, with strong emphasis on university–industry collaboration, governance models, technology transfer mechanisms, and intermediaries such as science and technology parks, incubators, and innovation centers. The results also highlight the increasing integration of sustainability and digitalization into university-led innovation strategies. The study provides practical insights for university managers, industry partners, and policymakers to support strategic decision-making in higher education innovation ecosystems.