Different breeds, different needs: How university spin-offs differ in composition and interaction - a qualitative approach!

Academic spin-off projects are embedded in the context of research institutions during their early development. Yet, we still lack knowledge of whether the influence of university structures on spin-off projects or immanent... [ view full abstract ]

Academic spin-off projects are embedded in the context of research institutions during their early development. Yet, we still lack knowledge of whether the influence of university structures on spin-off projects or immanent factors of these projects vary across research disciplines or university departments. To enhance our understanding in the development of spin-off projects, it seems therefore necessary to focus on strategies that focus on the individuality of spin-off projects within a single research institution. In our study, we therefore address interactions of spin-off projects with several factors within one university. Data was collected via interviews at a large German university for spin-off projects from 2007 till 2013. In addition, secondary data for all spin-off projects was analyzed. We inductively derive four types of spin-off projects that interact differently with their university. Finally, concentrating on the specific needs of each type, we are able to provide a framework on how to identify spin-off groups and implement target-oriented support mechanisms.