Contextual interpretation of Sustainable Entrepreneurial HEIs: Perspectives from the University of Calabar

Debates on a university’s third mission have increasingly converged on the notion of the entrepreneurial university; however, with various economies pursuing divergent pathways, there is no universally accepted interpretation applicable globally. This lack of consensus is particularly concerning in contexts such as Africa, where the concept is still emerging, and issues surrounding it remain unresolved. This narrative-review study conceptualised the African interpretation of a typical and sustainable entrepreneurial university concept, drawing insights from the University of Calabar. Qualitative analysis of 77 publications using the Atlas-ti software version 26.0.0 highlighted three fundamental strategies underpinning the narrative. The usual institutional entrepreneurial university strategies include human development, specifically capability and talent formation for entrepreneurial success; commercialisation in areas of comparative and competitive advantages to drive internal revenue; and, lastly, social transformation modalities for community-embedded impact. These strategies align with the continent’s development priorities and socioeconomic imperatives. Based on this synthesis, the entrepreneurial university concept is defined contextually and informed by regionally specific realities. The University of Calabar framework presents a blueprint for policy, practice and further research.