Agricultural Technology Commercialization to Entrepreneurial Startups: Case study on Networking

Abstract

Technology commercialization from public research universities provide impetus to startups with know-how that have a potential to succeed in the market. We examine a network-based incubator, in an agricultural research university, that supports the development of startups. Our study explores networking and technology commercialization support utilized by the incubated startups. We examine the mechanisms of network formation in a university-based incubator and distinguish the entrepreneurial and university networks formed. From the study, we develop a set of propositionsrelating outcomes at the startup level with entrepreneurial affiliation, experience, institutionalincentives considering the local contextual factors. Using these, we derive managerial and policy implications for the stakeholders looking at diffusion of university developed technologies. The study explores the black box of entrepreneurship support, and provides appropriate strategies to technology commercialization with agri-tech startups. The study has implications to universities that support entrepreneurship formally and informally.

Work in Progress on a Case Study of Preparedness in Engineering for Agricultural Start-ups (PEAS)

“…In the last couple of decades there has been an increase in research on entrepreneurial instruction in education, in general, and in engineering education, specifically. These studies look at topics such as entrepreneurial education, start-ups, and educational incubators in multiple fields including Ag Tech for engineers and non-engineers [13], [14]. Research has also been conducted on how to build a program, or at least a course on entrepreneurship, for engineering students [15]- [18].…”