Building on a variety of contrasting perspectives, this book focuses on the connection between university spin-offs and regional economic development. It aptly captures the diverse range of concepts relating to the main participants in the process of university spin-offs, reflecting on their roles and how these may have changed.
Building on a variety of contrasting perspectives, this book focuses on the connection between university spin-offs and regional economic development. It aptly captures the diverse range of concepts relating to the main participants in the process of university spin-offs, reflecting on their roles and how these may have changed.
This fascinating book provides the reader with an in-depth exploration into the spin-off process, examining how it can begin and evolve over time and how it links to regional development. Chapters highlight pertinent methodological issues previous studies have faced, while putting forward intriguing critiques of the institutional environment. The lifespan and performance of these spin-offs is scrutinised, as well as their operation at different stages of development. Interdisciplinary perspectives are summarised in order to fully investigate the importance of university spin-offs to the economic development of regions.
The Geography of Academic Entrepreneurship will be of keen interest to academics within the fields of economic geography and entrepreneurial business, and to those researching technology transfer processes in various national contexts. It will additionally be of great use to postgraduate students researching these processes, as well as policymakers seeking to ascertain how university spin-offs should be comprehended.
Arvustused
In this timely and important book, the author brings the full weight of her erudition to bear on the spatial and economic implications of academic entrepreneurship. She systematically explains the formation of university spinoff companies and their role in the commercialization of university technology and wealth creation across the globe. This book is a must read for scholars of innovation and entrepreneurship and government officials who formulate and implement public policies relating to innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic development. -- Donald Siegel, Arizona State University, US Helen Lawton-Smiths incisive analysis of the economic, political, social and geographical perspectives by which university spin-offs have been studied provides deep insights into their potential contribution to positive regional development. The Geography of Academic Entrepreneurship is a must-read for academics, researchers, doctoral students and policy-makers interested in the interdependencies between university spin-offs and the region. -- Claire Leitch, Lancaster University, UK
Contents: Preface
1. Introduction
2. Defining spin-offs and data collection
3. Academic and student entrepreneurs
4. Universities, technology transfer offices, institutional structures and spin-offs
5. What university spin-offs do
6. Growth trajectories, life-cycle issues, survival and the region
7. Spin-off firms and the region
8. Conclusions and policy implications References Index
Helen Lawton Smith, Professor of Entrepreneurship, Department of Management, Centre of Innovation Management Research, Birkbeck University of London, UK
