The knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship and innovation: taking stock and new directions

Abstract This special issue revisits and extends the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship (KSTE) and its more recent evolution and application to innovation. Rooted in the idea that knowledge created but unappropriated by incumbents and universities serves as a source for entrepreneurial activity, the theoretical framework emphasizes the critical role of entrepreneurs as conduits of knowledge commercialization. Since Audretsch’s foundational works during 1990s and early 2000, scholars have explored how innovation is driven not only by R&D investment and knowledge collaboration within firms and universities, but also by the entrepreneurial actors who mobilize and transform created knowledge. Recent advances have broadened this perspective, highlighting the role of intrapreneurship and incumbent firms in creating and transferring knowledge and the ecosystem-wide dynamics. This special issue draws on the theoretical and empirical developments of the KSTE&I, identifies synergies between them, and outlines future research pathways.