Discussion Paper 01/2026
Knowledge-based regional development by university and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Permeability, boundaries and complementarities
Abstract
This paper discusses the interplay between university entrepreneurial ecosystems (UEE) and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems (REE) in knowledge-based regional development, focusing on their permeability, boundaries, and complementarities. Using qualitative data from 176 events attended by startups from UEE and REE in the German Ruhr region, the research reveals an asymmetric permeability: UEE startups frequently engage with REE events to access market knowledge and managerial skills, while REE startups rarely participate in UEE activities beyond recruiting graduates. Both ecosystems deliver similar types of entrepreneurial knowledge, such as managerial and funding insights, but differ in their emphasis. UEEs focus more on market insights linked to technology commercialisation, whereas REEs emphasise marketing knowledge reflecting closer market proximity. The findings highlight the REE’s nurturing role by providing practical support and market access for the UEE startups. The study suggests fostering greater inclusivity of UEEs to benefit a broader range of founders and recommends hybrid event formats combining UEE and REE resources to enhance regional innovation dynamics.
IAT discussion papers
| Jahr | Titel / Zitation | Dokumententyp | Links / Downloads |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026: Knowledge-based regional development by university and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Permeability, boundaries and complementarities Zitation: Butzin, A., Flögel, F., Meyer, K. & Rabadjieva, M. (2026): Knowledge-based regional development by university and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Permeability, boundaries and complementarities. IAT discussion paper, 2026 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.53190/dp/202601This paper discusses the interplay between university entrepreneurial ecosystems (UEE) and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems (REE) in knowledge-based regional development, focusing on their permeability, boundaries, and complementarities. Using qualitative data from 176 events attended by startups from UEE and REE in the German Ruhr region, the research reveals an asymmetric permeability: UEE startups frequently engage with REE events to access market knowledge and managerial skills, while REE startups rarely participate in UEE activities beyond recruiting graduates. Both ecosystems deliver similar types of entrepreneurial knowledge, such as managerial and funding insights, but differ in their emphasis. UEEs focus more on market insights linked to technology commercialisation, whereas REEs emphasise marketing knowledge reflecting closer market proximity. The findings highlight the REE’s nurturing role by providing practical support and market access for the UEE startups. The study suggests fostering greater inclusivity of UEEs to benefit a broader range of founders and recommends hybrid event formats combining UEE and REE resources to enhance regional innovation dynamics. university entrepreneurial ecosystems, regional development, knowledge transfer, entrepreneurial ecosystems | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2025 | 2025: Exploring the Potential of Urban Manufacturer's Waste Heat for the Residential Heating Transition in Germany. A Spatial Analysis Acros Four Federal States Zitation: Angstmann, M., Meyer, K. & Gärtner, S. (2025): Exploring the Potential of Urban Manufacturer's Waste Heat for the Residential Heating Transition in Germany. A Spatial Analysis Acros Four Federal States. IAT discussion paper, 2025 (03). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.53190/dp/202503 | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2025 | 2025: Harnessing Societal Innovativeness for Transformative Regional Development Zitation: Terstriep, A. & Angstmann, M. (2025): Harnessing Societal Innovativeness for Transformative Regional Development. IAT discussion paper, 2025 (02). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.53190/dp/202502 | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2025 | 2025: Transformative knowledge regions: Bringing knowledge to the frontstage of transformative innovation Zitation: Jeannerat, H., Butzin, A., Carvalho, L. & Manniche, J. (2025): Transformative knowledge regions: Bringing knowledge to the frontstage of transformative innovation. IAT discussion paper, 2025 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology, Westphalian University of Applied Sciences. https://doi.org/10.53190/dp/202501 | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2022 | 2022: The Role of Local Embeddedness of Transnational Migrant Start-ups in the COVID-19 Crises - Examples from the Berlin Start-up Ecosystem Zitation: Terstriep, J., David, A., Ruthemeier, A. & Elo, M. (2022): The Role of Local Embeddedness of Transnational Migrant Start-ups in the COVID-19 Crises - Examples from the Berlin Start-up Ecosystem. IAT discussion paper, 22 (05). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. https://doi.org/10.53190/dp/202205 | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2022 | 2022: High-tech left behind Zitation: Butzin, A. & Flögel, F. (2022): High-tech left behind. IAT discussion paper, 22 (04). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2022 | 2022: Gleichwertige Lebensverhältnisse - ein Messkonzept regionaler Lebensverhältnisse Zitation: Dahlbeck, E., Flögel, F., Milbert, A. & Neu, M. (2022): Gleichwertige Lebensverhältnisse - ein Messkonzept regionaler Lebensverhältnisse. IAT discussion paper, 22 (03). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2022 | 2022: "Lernen für das Leben" - Praxisausbildung als Selbstbestimmungs- und Teilhaberessource gestalten Zitation: Völz, S., Radunovic, C., Cramer, H., Overkamp, U. & Hilbert, J. (2022): "Lernen für das Leben" - Praxisausbildung als Selbstbestimmungs- und Teilhaberessource gestalten (Erkenntnisse aus einem Projekt zu Verbesserung der Ausbildung von Heilerziehungspfleger*innen am Lernort Praxis). IAT discussion paper, 22 (02). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2022 | 2022: Das war vorher völlig undenkbar - Homeoffice in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe während der COVID19-Pandemie Zitation: Völz, S. & Evans, M. (2022): Das war vorher völlig undenkbar - Homeoffice in der Kinder- und Jugendhilfe während der COVID19-Pandemie (Eine Status-Quo-Analyse). IAT discussion paper, 22 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2021 | 2021: The Effects of Regional Banks on Economic Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis. A Cross-Country Comparison of the European Countries Zitation: Flögel, F. & Hejnová, T. (2021): The Effects of Regional Banks on Economic Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic and the Global Financial Crisis. A Cross-Country Comparison of the European Countries. IAT discussion paper, 21 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2020 | 2020: Mitbestimmte Digitalisierung in der Altenpflege? Erhebung betrieblicher Mitbestimmungspraktiken und künftiger Herausforderungen aus Perspektive betrieblicher Interessenvertretungen Zitation: Ludwig, C., Öz, F., Evans, M. & Hecken, L. (2020): Mitbestimmte Digitalisierung in der Altenpflege? Erhebung betrieblicher Mitbestimmungspraktiken und künftiger Herausforderungen aus Perspektive betrieblicher Interessenvertretungen. IAT discussion paper, 2020 (05). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2020 | 2020: Digitalisation and (de)centralisation in Germany - a comparative study of retail banking and the energy sector Zitation: Beckamp, M. & Flögel, F. (2020): Digitalisation and (de)centralisation in Germany - a comparative study of retail banking and the energy sector. IAT discussion paper, 2020 (04). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2020 | 2020: Impuls: Soziale Dienstleistungsarbeit und Corona-Pandemie: Rückkehr in eine aufgewertete Normalität Zitation: Becka, D., Bräutigam, C., Evans, M., Herrmann, J., Ludwig, C., Öz, F., Schmidt, C., Schröer, L. & Völz, S. (2020): Impuls: Soziale Dienstleistungsarbeit und Corona-Pandemie: Rückkehr in eine aufgewertete Normalität. IAT discussion paper, 2020 (03). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2020 | 2020: Schwerpunktthema zum Impuls-Paper: Löhne und Gehälter in systemrelevanten Berufen: Gebraucht und geschätzt, aber unter Wert! Eine Analyse auf Basis der WSI-LohnSpiegel-Datenbank Zitation: Öz, F. (2020): Schwerpunktthema zum Impuls-Paper: Löhne und Gehälter in systemrelevanten Berufen: Gebraucht und geschätzt, aber unter Wert! Eine Analyse auf Basis der WSI-LohnSpiegel-Datenbank. IAT discussion paper, 2020 (02). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2020 | 2020: Die Covid-19-Pandemie und das Bankenwesen Zitation: Flögel, F. & Gärtner, S. (2020): Die Covid-19-Pandemie und das Bankenwesen (Kurzbeitrag). IAT discussion paper, 2020 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2019 | 2019: Übernahmen durch Private Equity im deutschen Gesundheitssektor: eine Zwischenbilanz für die Jahre 2013 bis 2018 Zitation: Scheuplein, C., Evans, M. & Merkel, S. (2019): Übernahmen durch Private Equity im deutschen Gesundheitssektor: eine Zwischenbilanz für die Jahre 2013 bis 2018. IAT discussion paper, 2019 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2018 | 2018: The banking systems of Germany, the UK und Spain from a spatial perspective: the German case Zitation: Flögel, F. & Gärtner, S. (2018): The banking systems of Germany, the UK und Spain from a spatial perspective: the German case. IAT discussion paper, 2018 (04). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2018 | 2018: The banking systems of Germany, the UK and Spain from a spatial perspective: the UK case Zitation: Flögel, F. & Gärtner, S. (2018): The banking systems of Germany, the UK and Spain from a spatial perspective: the UK case. IAT discussion paper, 2018 (03). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2018 | 2018: The banking systems of Germany, the UK and Spain from a spatial perspective: the Spanish case Zitation: Gärtner, S. & Fernandez, J. (2018): The banking systems of Germany, the UK and Spain from a spatial perspective: the Spanish case. IAT discussion paper, 2018 (02). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2018 | 2018: Ein Vergleich der Bankensysteme in Deutschland, dem Vereinigten Königreich und Spanien aus räumlicher Perspektive: Befunde und Handlungsbedarf = The banking systems of Germany, the UK und Spain from a spatial perspective: lessons learned and what is to be done? Zitation: Flögel, F. & Gärtner, S. (2018): Ein Vergleich der Bankensysteme in Deutschland, dem Vereinigten Königreich und Spanien aus räumlicher Perspektive: Befunde und Handlungsbedarf = The banking systems of Germany, the UK und Spain from a spatial perspective: lessons learned and what is to be done? IAT discussion paper, 2018 (01B). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2018 | 2018: The banking systems of Germany, the UK and Spain from a spatial perspective: lessons learned and what is to be done? = Ein Vergleich der Bankensysteme in Deutschland, dem Vereinigten Königreich und Spanien aus räumlicher Perspektive: Befunde und Handlungsbedarf Zitation: Flögel, F. & Gärtner, S. (2018): The banking systems of Germany, the UK and Spain from a spatial perspective: lessons learned and what is to be done? = Ein Vergleich der Bankensysteme in Deutschland, dem Vereinigten Königreich und Spanien aus räumlicher Perspektive: Befunde und Handlungsbedarf. IAT discussion paper, 2018 (01A). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2017 | 2017: Do company builders create jobs? Examining the rise of incubation finance in Germany Zitation: Scheuplein, C. & Kahl, J. (2017): Do company builders create jobs? Examining the rise of incubation finance in Germany. IAT discussion paper, 2017 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2016 | 2016: Niedrigzinsphase, Standardisierung, Regulierung: regionale Banken was nun? Zitation: Flögel, F. & Gärtner, S. (2016): Niedrigzinsphase, Standardisierung, Regulierung: regionale Banken was nun? IAT discussion paper, 2016 (2). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2016 | 2016: Distance and modern banks' lending to SMEs: decentralised versus centralised banking in Germany Zitation: Flögel, F. (2016): Distance and modern banks' lending to SMEs: decentralised versus centralised banking in Germany. IAT discussion paper, 2016 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institut Arbeit und Technik. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |
| 2014 | 2014: Call for a spatial classification of banking systems through the lens of SME finance - decentralized versus centralized banking in Germany as an example Zitation: Gärtner, S. & Flögel, F. (2014): Call for a spatial classification of banking systems through the lens of SME finance - decentralized versus centralized banking in Germany as an example. IAT discussion paper, 2014 (01). Gelsenkirchen: Institute for Work and Technology. | Dokumententyp: Internetdokument | Links / Downloads: |