Evaluation of academic entrepreneurship based on the standards of the Accreditation Institute of Higher Education ACEEU (Case: Islamic Azad University, Mashhad branch)

Subject Areas : International Journal of Finance, Accounting and Economics Studies

Javad Tavasoli Noghabi ¹ , Hamideh Reshadatjoo ² , Mohammadali Hosseini ³

1 - Department of Management & Economic. Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
2 - Faculty Member of Faculty of Management and Economics, Department of Management and Economics, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
3 - Associate Professor of Higher Education Administration. Rehabilitation Management Department of University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Received: 2022-10-01 Accepted : 2022-12-15 Published : 2023-04-01

Keywords: Islamic Azad University, Commercialization, innovation, Evaluation, Academic Entrepreneurship, Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities,

Abstract :

The paradigm of Academic Entrepreneurship has affected economic, social development, resulting in the prominence of the mission of universities in last decade. However, meeting the objectives of Academic Entrepreneurship is accompanied by uncertainties. Therefore, Academic Entrepreneurship must be evaluated to monitor and follow up the mission of universities and increase their performance and accountability. This descriptive-analytical study aimed to evaluate the level of Academic Entrepreneurship at the Islamic Azad University. Moreover, this survey used a questionnaire to collect quantitative data. According to Cochran's formula, 148 faculty members of the University were selected by random sampling. In addition, a researcher-made questionnaire based on the Academic Entrepreneurship indicators and standards of the International Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities (ACEEU) was used to collect the data. Construct validity (0.83) and Cronbach's alpha (α=0.89) were used to evaluate the validity and reliability of the questionnaire, respectively. Then, partial least squares algorithm, bootstrapping, and SmartPLS and SPSS for mean comparison were employed to analyze the data. According to the evaluation results of each of the components, the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad was shown to be very excellent and privileged in terms of strategic orientation, entrepreneurial capacities, and third mission activities, respectively. However, the results did not confirm the stimulators and enablers component and the innovation and impact component. In general, the level of Academic Entrepreneurship in the Islamic Azad University of Mashhad was found to be satisfactory. Finally, suggestions were made for policy-makers and academicians to stimulate and strengthen Academic Entrepreneurship processes.