This study investigates how universities with varying resource levels and organizational quality develop entrepreneurial activities within complex ecosystems. Using a hybrid system dynamics agent-based model, we integrate institutional theory and resource orchestration theory to analyze the multi-level dynamics of academic entrepreneurship. Our findings reveal that significant investments in both internal capabilities and external engagement are crucial for universities to grow their entrepreneurial activities. We demonstrate how different types of universities can leverage their unique strengths to influence their ecosystems, with research-intensive institutions benefiting from their prestige while others can develop a strong entrepreneurial reputation. The study contributes to our understanding of how universities strategically orchestrate resources to navigate complex, institutionally-embedded ecosystems, offering insights into the non-linear relationships between university strategies and entrepreneurial outcomes.
