Academic communities of practice (ACoPs) are formed in collaboration with professionals from industry and the community with the aim of providing innovative solutions to real-world problems. There are no adequate frameworks and clear support structures for managing academic communities of practice (ACoP). The main aim of this paper is to develop an integrated ACoP model and elaborate on external and internal support structures to endow innovation through academic communities of practice. In the first stage of this study, a preliminary ACoP model was developed and deployed at an institution of higher education. The model was further elaborated in stage two of this study. The main elements of the model were discussed, highlighting external and internal support mechanisms. The key findings indicate the crucial role of the ACoP core group management and fundraising as well as overcoming multiple barriers to innovation.