Innovative university: evidence from university management

Purpose Innovation enables growth and helps address social challenges. This research aims to identify evidence that can characterize an innovative university based on its university management. Thus, the authors define the following research problem: How to measure innovation in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) that intends to be innovative based on its university management? Design/methodology/approach To this end, the authors conducted a literature review, with a qualitative approach, as well as a case study with data collection through the documental analysis of research that was carried out with the community, namely: Undergraduate Students Profile survey, Reputation of the Institution and Innovation Octagon. Findings The authors noticed that the results presented by Innovation Octagon show an increase in most indexes, mainly Processes and People, followed by Leadership, Strategy, Relationships and Funding. However, there was a reduction in Structure and Culture. Originality/value The results point to the relevance of measuring innovation in the institution, mainly through the use of the Innovation Octagon. The longitudinal measurement of innovation in the institution enables the management of the HEI to constantly progress and develop in favor of the society’s demands for the training of competent professionals for their future professional reality.