Role of Libraries in Supporting Innovation, Research and Entrepreneurship for a Knowledge Economy

In the knowledge-driven economy of the twenty-first century, libraries have evolved from traditional information repositories into dynamic knowledge and innovation hubs. This paper examines the expanding role of libraries in supporting innovation, research, and entrepreneurship. It analyses how academic and research libraries facilitate access to digital resources, research data, intellectual property information, and innovation ecosystems. Through a review of literature and conceptual analysis, the study highlights how libraries contribute to research productivity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and evidence-based policymaking. The paper argues that libraries are essential institutional actors in building a sustainable knowledge economy by bridging information gaps, fostering creativity, and empowering knowledge-based enterprises.