Networking Events as a Mechanism for Commercial Articulation in University Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: A Case Study at the State University of Milagro
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.63688/k3q13271Keywords:
networking, entrepreneurial ecosystems, academic events, commercial articulation, university–industry linkageAbstract
This study analyzes the effectiveness of a university networking event as a mechanism for commercial articulation within an entrepreneurial ecosystem, based on the case “Business Networking: Creating Alliances between UNEMI and the Community,” developed at the State University of Milagro in 2026. A mixed-method approach with a descriptive-qualitative predominance was adopted through a non-experimental, cross-sectional, single-case study design. Data collection included a Likert-scale perception survey administered to participants, documentary analysis of negotiation records, and review of operational event reports. The results revealed highly positive evaluations of the networking event in terms of organization, interaction, and overall satisfaction, with mean scores above 4.5 out of 5. In addition, preliminary commercial agreements were identified in food and textile sectors, confirming the event’s capacity to facilitate effective connections between supply and demand actors. From a theoretical perspective, the findings support the role of universities as strategic nodes within entrepreneurial ecosystems, capable of activating collaborative networks, strengthening social capital, and promoting value co-creation dynamics. The study concludes that structured networking events represent viable mechanisms for commercial intermediation and university–society engagement, with potential for replication in Latin American university contexts.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Freddy Leonardo Garaicoa Fuentes, Juan de la Cruz Peñafiel Macías, Salma Nayali Meza Lucin, Jefferson Francisco Rivera Narváez, Ashley Leyly Intriago Ávila, Blanca Asucena Delgado Folleco (Autor/a)
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