The impact of academic entrepreneurship on knowledge sharing

Academic entrepreneurship involves transforming scientific knowledge into commercial ventures, yielding societal and economic benefits. Higher education institutions are pivotal within innovation ecosystems, underscoring the critical role of knowledge sharing among faculty members. Despite extensive theoretical research on academic entrepreneurship, there remains a notable gap in empirical studies addressing the relationship between academic entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing. This study examines the impact of academic entrepreneurship on knowledge sharing within higher education institutions in Libya. Data were collected from approximately 425 Libyan academics across 11 universities using a five-point Likert scale survey. The findings indicate that academic entrepreneurship positively influences knowledge sharing in these institutions. However, various barriers to academic entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing persist, reflecting a lack of interest and awareness in these areas. To address these challenges, the study proposes models for knowledge sharing and academic entrepreneurship, along with implementation steps. Additionally, it recommends establishing an academic entrepreneurship department within the Libyan Ministry of Education. The study's findings offer valuable insights and recommendations for higher education institutions, especially in Libya, to evolve into more knowledge-based entities. It aids the management of these institutions in planning and implementing academic entrepreneurship and knowledge sharing practices. Additionally, it identifies future research opportunities to further advance academic entrepreneurship within higher education.