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Nurturing entrepreneurship in a small-country innovation ecosystem: The case of Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) as an entrepreneurial vocational higher education institution
Lima-Toivanen, Maria Pace, David Briffa, Ivan Uner, Pelin Ragia, Maria Piccinetti, Leonardo
Lima-Toivanen, Maria
Pace, David
Briffa, Ivan
Uner, Pelin
Ragia, Maria
Piccinetti, Leonardo
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2026-06-24
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Abstract
Entrepreneurial higher education institutions (HEIs) are key drivers of innovation, employability, and sustainable development, yet research has largely overlooked vocational HEIs in small-country contexts. This paper analyses the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) as an entrepreneurial HEI within Malta’s compact innovation ecosystem. Guided by the Triple and Quadruple Helix frameworks, it examines how entrepreneurship education, institutional support, and stakeholder collaboration shape competences, mindsets, and innovation capacity. The qualitative case study draws on interviews with management, lecturers, industry, and government representatives, a focus group with alumni, and analysis of institutional and EU project documents. Findings suggest that entrepreneurship is embedded as a transversal competence, with experiential and challenge-based learning fostering adaptability and creativity aligned with labour-market needs. The study extends the entrepreneurial HEI concept to vocational and small-country contexts and offers insights for policies that advance locally grounded yet globally connected innovation ecosystems.
Citation
Lima-Toivanen, M., Pace, D., Briffa, I., Uner, P., Ragia, M., & Piccinetti, L. (2026). Nurturing entrepreneurship in a small-country innovation ecosystem: The case of Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST) as an entrepreneurial vocational higher education institution. Triple Helix, vol(issue), 1-31. https://doi.org/10.1163/21971927-bja10071
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Brill
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Triple Helix
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Article
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2197-1927
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This study received funding from the following European Union projects: WATERLINE, Horizon Europe grant agreement No 101071306; EXCEL Winter School, EIT Urban Mobility grant agreement No 23675; and HEIght, EIT Climate KIC, grant agreement No 210291.