Rowing Against the Tide: The Struggle to Enhance Entrepreneurship in a Hostile Region

This study aims at highlighting the role of University as a strategic actor promotingentrepreneurship and economic development in the territory where it acts. In particular, the Universityof Catania case-history is investigated to show the way such institution has contributedto the transformation of a “hostile region” into a favourable entrepreneurial context pulling newbusiness creation. Following a co-evolution perspective, the path of territory growth, guided bythe University, is analysed. Finally, some open key matters are pointed out.