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Regional Ecosystem Quality and University Spin-Off Growth in Internal Areas: Evidence on Territorial Resilience from Italian Academic Entrepreneurship

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  • Antonio Prencipe

    (Department of Communication Sciences, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy)

  • Davis Fioretti

    (Department of Communication Sciences, University of Teramo, 64100 Teramo, Italy)

Abstract

This study examines how territorial peripherality and regional entrepreneurial ecosystem quality shape the growth trajectories of Italian university spin-offs, with a specific focus on internal areas. Combining firm-level data from NETVAL and AIDA with territorial indicators from the Italian Strategy for Inner Areas (SNAI) and ISTAT, we construct a panel of 655 university spin-offs observed between 2018 and 2022. Two composite indicators capture provincial peripherality and regional ecosystem quality. Using mixed-effects models, we analyse their effects on revenue and employment growth. Results show that stronger regional ecosystems support employment growth overall and significantly amplify revenue growth for spin-offs located in internal areas, partially compensating for structural territorial disadvantages. The findings highlight the importance of place-based ecosystem policies and the strategic role of universities in fostering knowledge-based development and proxy indicators of territorial resilience in peripheral regions.

Suggested Citation

  • Antonio Prencipe & Davis Fioretti, 2026. "Regional Ecosystem Quality and University Spin-Off Growth in Internal Areas: Evidence on Territorial Resilience from Italian Academic Entrepreneurship," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 18(2), pages 1-14, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:18:y:2026:i:2:p:927-:d:1842135
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