![]() ![]() It presents a specific TMU case in relation to the previous literature (both theoretical as well as practical) and discusses how certain theoretical and practical considerations can be integrated in a creative and innovative way for the benefit of both the academia, as well as stakeholders in the regional innovation ecosystem. Continuing the work on closing the gap between case studies and theoretical considerations in the TMU research, this paper seeks to present a research case study. However, these discussions have been predominantly theoretical and prescriptive, with little attention to the transformational processes themselves and the lessons learned from applying concepts such as an entrepreneurial university, the third mission of university (TMU), and an engaged university in a rural context or with partners from the governmental sector. Societal changes towards the knowledge and services-based society as well as environmental emergencies have caused a broad discussion in the literature on the role and contribution of the university in the modern economy, environment, and society. Instead of considering a government’s role solely as that of a regulator, a much more creative and purposeful cooperation between university and government is possible for creating a regional culture of entrepreneurial initiatives in a rural region. ![]() Universities should look beyond a purely economic contribution and should augment all three missions (teaching, research, engagement) by considering social, environmental, and economic aspects of its activities. In addition, a “toolkit” of relevant project activities is presented against the major identified themes, major project stakeholders, as well as relevant Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Results presented in the case study are related both to the project of a municipality–university innovation partnership, as well as the historic development of the university in its three missions, and, related to the important third mission, themes relevant for the project. The propositions in the research question are guided by the previous literature and were then analyzed through an “open coding” process to iteratively analyze, verify, and validate the results from the documents against the previous literature. The study deploys a qualitative case study research method based on the content analysis of project documentation and further internal documents both from universities and municipalities. The purpose of the study is to provide empirical evidence about the under-researched area of university–government relations in building a culture of entrepreneurial initiatives inside the triple helix model in a rural region. ![]()
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