Anotace:
Purpose of the article:The present study investigates the role of University Centers for Entrepreneurial Support (UCES) in regional innovation systems, with a particular emphasis on the integration of university sports. Utilising the Triple Helix model as a foundation, the paper delves into the potential of university sports to augment STEM outreach, promote entrepreneurship, and foster collaboration between academia, industry, and government. The findings, which are based on case studies conducted in the Czech Republic, the United States, and Qatar, and incorporate insights from Generation Z, suggest that initiatives focused on university sports, when embedded within entrepreneurial ecosystems, have the potential to enhance institutional visibility, attract students, and stimulate sustainable regional development. The paper concludes with policy recommendations and a framework for assessing the socio-economic impacts of these initiatives.