University capabilities and the creation of technology spin-offs in ecuador's entrepreneurial ecosystem
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Ecuadorian universities possess scientific capabilities and support structures for entrepreneurship; however, a gap persists between knowledge production and its transformation into sustainable technology spin-offs. This study aimed to analyze the relationship between university capabilities and the creation of such firms within Ecuador’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. A qualitative, documentary, cross-sectional, deductive, exploratory, and descriptive study was conducted using scientific publications and institutional documents from 2021 to 2025, which were examined through thematic coding. The results identified four interconnected dimensions: research and innovation, technology transfer, incubation and entrepreneurial training, and external engagement. They also revealed a substantial base of university publications and projects, although no consolidated national records were available on firms created, licenses, investment raised, turnover, or business survival. The findings indicated that scientific production was insufficient when disconnected from technology validation, institutional intermediation, access to customers, and market knowledge. It was concluded that the creation of spin-offs depended on complementary and progressively coordinated university capabilities; therefore, strengthening transfer and monitoring mechanisms could facilitate the transformation of academic knowledge into verifiable business outcomes.
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