Innovation Hubs in Emerging Economies and the Entrepreneurial University: Insights from Porto Alegre, Brazil

Innovation hubs in emerging economies are critical engines for socio-economic development, and universities often sit at their core. This conceptual article examines how scientific and technological universities, through innovation hubs, researchers and laboratories, drive local and national development—a role framed by the Entrepreneurial University theory. Drawing on the case of Porto Alegre and the Rio Grande do Sul region in Brazil, we explore university-led initiatives (e.g., Aliança pela Inovação and Pacto Alegre), prominent science parks and incubators (Tecnopuc, Tecnosinos) and new collaborative platforms (South Collab Health, Instituto Caldeira). We compare these with examples from other regions in Brazil and emerging economies to identify patterns, gaps and potential strategies. Adopting a solution-oriented perspective, we showcase best practices and enabling conditions—such as strong university–industry–government linkages (Triple Helix), leadership and trust—that empower innovation ecosystems. We propose a roadmap for universities and ecosystem actors to strengthen their impact, emphasising capacity-building, inclusive innovation and strategic partnerships. This study highlights that when universities in emerging economies embrace an entrepreneurial and collaborative mission, they become pivotal orchestrators of innovation ecosystems, spurring sustainable economic growth and social progress.