Paper #1330

Title:

Assessing technology-based spin-offs from university support units

Authors:

Mircea Epure, Diego Prior and Christian Serarols

Date:

November 2011 (Revised: April 2014)

Abstract:

This paper takes a regional studies approach to assess spin-offs from a university-based technology transfer network. We first detect the regional objectives, inputs and outputs needed to assess spin-offs from support programmes. We then provide evidence on regional mechanisms for firm creation. We analyse spin-offs created at Catalan universities and find that many efficient spin-offs have formal technology transfer agreements, and emerge from technology-oriented universities. We also find that higher innovation levels and experience from the parent university are associated with higher efficiency, which is positively related to future fundamental profitability. Finally, we propose regional policy making and research directions.

Keywords:

university spin-off; regional development; efficiency; entrepreneurship; technology transfer; innovation

JEL codes:

M1, R1

Area of Research:

Management and Organization Studies / Finance and Accounting

Published in:

Regional Studies, forthcoming

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