Purpose This study aims to address the role of entrepreneurial university ecosystems as drivers of regional development and technological innovation in Latin America, a region affected by poverty, unemployment and inequality (Crespi and Tacsir, 2011). It aims to identify success factors in university–industry collaboration where innovation transforms scientific knowledge into economic wealth and social well-being (Robledo and Ceballos, 2008). Design/methodology/approach The study uses a mixed-methods approach involving 11 universities from six Latin American countries to identify factors and dimensions (Creswell, 2009; Yin, 2009). It combines qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze mechanisms of university contribution to regional economic development. Findings Universities contribute to regional development through the incentive system, technology transfer modes and innovative business models. However, significant institutional gaps and common challenges that limit the impact of these ecosystems were identified. Research limitations/implications However, the effectiveness of these efforts could still be improved, particularly if obstacles such as bureaucratic restrictions or lack of proper incentives continue to limit the full potential of these relationships. This dynamic suggests that while progress is being made through increased collaboration and support, addressing the negative factors remains crucial for maximizing impact and fostering innovation within the higher education ecosystem. Regarding discrepancies, notable variability exists in the level of maturity and development of university ecosystems across institutions, which can be explained by regional, economic and cultural differences. The main limitation resides in the sample size and data derived mainly from qualitative analysis and correlations, which do not allow for establishing causality. Practical implications It is essential for these academic institutions to continue promoting the alignment of their policies and practices with the key variables identified to enhance innovation and collaboration. In particular, maintaining and strengthening approaches focused on performance evaluation, diversification of interaction channels and technology transfer will be crucial, as these aspects have shown good integration in the analyzed institutions. Establishing effective mechanisms for intellectual property management and talent retention will be vital for boosting innovation output and strengthening their international competitiveness. Social implications The implementation of these recommendations requires a coordinated effort among all stakeholders in the university entrepreneurial ecosystem. By addressing both the positive reinforcement opportunities and the negative correlation challenges, institutions can create more effective and sustainable entrepreneurial environments that contribute meaningfully to regional development and technological innovation. Originality/value This study provides original recommendations to strengthen university–industry collaboration and prioritize investments in applied research, enhancing the university’s role as a catalyst for sustainable growth in Latin America (Boucekkine et al., 2014).
Lucero et al. (Wed,) studied this question.