Work

From researcher to founder: What really sparks an academic spin-off?

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Across Europe, academics are increasingly launching spin-off companies based on research once confined to journals. Yet despite the wealth of ideas, few reach the market. Why? The challenge goes beyond funding or business skills. Drawing on data from over 2,000 European academics from 33 countries, this research explores how different University-Business Collaboration dimensions, combined with psychological and sociological factors shape spin-off creation. Findings show that personal confidence and institutional culture are critical drivers. Fostering academic entrepreneurship, therefore, requires supportive environments, positive attitudes toward collaboration, and human-centered strategies to translate knowledge into innovation.

Source: Emprendimiento y Negocios Internacionales

DOI: 10.20420/eni.2025.817

Authors: Sofía Louise Martínez-Martínez, Rafael Ventura, Todd Davey, Victoria Galán-Muros

Institutions: Universidad de Málaga, UNESCO

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Decent work and economic growth

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Institut Mines-Télécom