Does entrepreneurial university really exist in China? : A case from Huazhong University of Science and Technology

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reveal the characteristics and evolution path of entrepreneurial university in China, through a case study of Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) which has the reputation of “Chinese miniature of higher education” and in which entrepreneurial practice displays “Chinese characteristics”. Design/methodology/approach – The paper has originated from the ongoing thinking after completion of the author's Doctoral thesis. So, a large number of materials collected during the dissertation research will be used in this case, much of which are first‐hand, from investigations, site visits and interviews. As in the Doctoral thesis, a case study approach is also adopted in this paper. Findings – Through the inspection of HUST, it has been found that its entrepreneurial practice is in full compliance with the criteria of the entrepreneurial university. To some extent, the theory of entrepreneurial university is being revised by the practice of HUST. However, there are some “Chinese characteristics” which should be given special attention, such as university‐run enterprises, government‐pulled triple helix, the tradition of government‐run universities and so on. Originality/value – The paper will help the policy makers clarify the development situation of entrepreneurial university in China, which involves choosing the transformation paths and future directions, and to achieve a good way of building entrepreneurial university in accordance with China's national conditions. At the same time, it will promote international understanding of the entrepreneurial university in China.