Entrepreneurial Universities and Start-up Ecosystems in Algeria: The Case of Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou (UMMTO)

Universities are increasingly recognized as key actors in national innovation systems, particularly in emerging economies seeking to diversify their development models. This paper analyzes the entrepreneurial transformation of Mouloud Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou (UMMTO) within the framework of Algeria’s higher education reforms and Ministerial Decision No. 1275, which links academic research to start-up creation and patenting. Using a mixed-methods approach combining statistical analysis of university records (2017–2025) with semi-structured interviews, the study examines institutional structures, training programs, and innovation outputs. Findings reveal substantial growth in entrepreneurial activity and the establishment of an integrated ecosystem comprising the Entrepreneurship Center, the Development Center for Entrepreneurship (CDE), and the University Incubator. Despite progress, challenges persist, including administrative delays, funding constraints, and disciplinary imbalance. The study contributes to theory and practice by applying the Entrepreneurial University and Triple Helix frameworks to a North African context, demonstrating that coherent leadership and government support can partially offset structural limitations. Policy recommendations include reinforcing interdisciplinary entrepreneurship education, enhancing post-incubation support, and streamlining regulatory procedures to accelerate the translation of academic research into economic value.