Abstract
This development paper outlines a planned research investigation into why certain Russell Group universities consistently produce more successful graduate entrepreneurs than institutional peers with comparable resources. Drawing on the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship (KSTE), complemented by institutional theory and human capital theory, the study proposes a conceptual model positioning knowledge spillover mechanisms as drivers of entrepreneurial outcomes, mediated through institutional factors and technology availability pathways. The research will employ a mixed-methods explanatory sequential design combining quantitative secondary data analysis with qualitative interviews across selected Russell Group universities within the same geographical area. This developmental paper presents the theoretical grounding, proposed methodology and planned analytical approach, and seeks constructive feedback on the research design and multi-theoretic framework prior to data collection.