Cyber Times International Journal of Technology & Management

Innovation ecosystems in higher education have become essential for transforming universities into centres of research, entrepreneurship, and societal development. This study examines how higher education institutions can develop self-sustaining academic centres integrating research, industry collaboration, funding, and entrepreneurial culture. A mixed-method approach was adopted, including surveys of 120 faculty members and secondary analysis of innovation-driven institutions. Quantitative analysis identified key determinants of sustainable innovation ecosystems. Findings show that industry partnerships, interdisciplinary collaboration, research commercialization, and continuous funding significantly support sustainability. Institutional leadership, supportive policies, and technology transfer infrastructure also strongly influence the success of innovation centres. The study contributes to literature on higher education innovation systems and provides strategic recommendations for universities seeking sustainable innovation hubs. It emphasizes the importance of collaborative governance, strong research culture, and policy support for ensuring the long-term sustainability of academic innovation ecosystems.