Multimedia University's experience in fostering and supporting undergraduate student technopreneurship programs in a triple helix model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine the first three dimensions of the triple helix model. The focus of this paper is to study and develop a model for the role and functions performed by a university to nurture undergraduate student technopreneur development. Design/methodology/approach – This study provides a comprehensive understanding of the process of the technopreneurship program undertaken by Multimedia University (MMU) in 1999‐2005. The analysis is based on the self‐administered questionnaires, qualitative interviews, internal documents, web sites and direct observation. Electronic questionnaires are e‐mailed to 24 founders of start‐ups to explore their views on the entrepreneurial support structures in MMU. Findings – The success of MMU in undertaking the technopreneurship programs is the result of the organization structure, management's policies and priorities which are concentrated on creating and sustaining the necessary support structures to foster undergraduate student entrepreneurial activities. Practical implications – A very interesting and useful information and impartial for new university planning to establish a culture of new enterprise creation within a university. It should be noted that though this is a study of various aspects of the success of MMU in undertaking technopreneurship programs, however, this will have an implication of how triple helix strategic model can be implemented in China. Originality/value – Many universities have focused more on linkages of entrepreneurship and commercial‐valued research involving academic staff and postgraduate students rather than undergraduate student entrepreneurship. It is believed that MMU is one of the few entrepreneurial universities which focuses on undergraduate students, who, from enrollment to graduation, are offered constant encouragement, training and support for their efforts to conceive and start up business enterprises. This paper is intended to share the experiences of MMU in fostering and supporting undergraduate student technopreneurship programs in a triple helix model. This paper is intended to share the experiences of MMU in fostering and supporting undergraduate student technopreneurship programs in a triple helix model with readers in China and out of China who have interest on the effective implementation of the university ‐ government ‐ industry strategic partnership.