Open innovation centers as key elements in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at Nicaraguan universities 2021-2023

Abstract

In Nicaragua, the country model based on the creative economy means revitalizing higher education within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which has enabled the promotion of new initiatives to foster innovation and entrepreneurship. In Nicaragua’s public universities, this takes the form of Open Innovation Centers, which are key spaces for the formation and dynamics of the ecosystem. This article describes the role acquired by these centers, which has revitalized relations between the different actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the local, regional, and national levels. The theoretical review addresses concepts such as the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the creative economy, and open innovation. The methodology is qualitative. Data collection techniques include documentary research and semi-structured interviews. The article describes the experience of the Open Innovation Centers at three public universities: UNAN-Managua, UNAN-León, and URACCAN. It demonstrates the strengthening of support resources from the Open Innovation Centers, allowing for tangible results and highlighting the work carried out by the three public universities to promote entrepreneurial culture.