The university as an innovation ecosystem orchestrator
International examples and Hungarian case studies
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14267/VEZTUD.2026.07-08.05Keywords:
innovation ecosystem, orchestrator, technology transfer, multiple case study designAbstract
In innovation ecosystems, the orchestrator plays a coordinating role, enabling heterogeneous actors to collaborate and create shared value. The authors’ study aims first to provide theoretical grounding for the orchestrator concept, with special attention to roles related to resource provision, creating the preconditions for collaboration, and shaping joint value propositions; and second, to examine universities’ orchestrator role in innovation ecosystems from a product and service management perspective. They apply a qualitative multiple-case study design, analysing two international universities (MIT, Stanford) and three Hungarian universities (SZTE, BME, METU) using a unified set of criteria. The results show that in international cases, the orchestrator role is strongly institutionalised and linked to the full innovation lifecycle, whereas in Hungarian universities it appears more partial and fragmented, often on a project basis. The study formulates theoretical and practical implications for universities, industry, and policymakers.
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