Building a Culture of Entrepreneurial Initiative in Rural Regions Based on Sustainable Development Goals: A Case Study of University of Applied Sciences–Municipality Innovation Partnership

The purpose of the study is to provide empirical evidence about under-researched area university–government relations in building a culture entrepreneurial initiatives inside triple helix model rural region. deploys qualitative case research method based on content analysis project documentation and further internal documents both from universities municipalities. propositions question are guided by previous literature were then analyzed through an “open coding” process iteratively analyze, verify, validate results against literature. Results presented related municipality–university innovation partnership, as well historic development university its three missions, and, important third mission, themes relevant for project. In addition, “toolkit” activities major identified themes, stakeholders, Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Universities should look beyond purely economic contribution augment all missions (teaching, research, engagement) considering social, environmental, aspects activities. Instead government’s role solely that regulator, much more creative purposeful cooperation between government possible creating regional