La Entrepreneurial University: Tools and Models for Integrating the Third Mission in Education Institutions

Abstract

<jats:p>University spinoffs have remarkably strengthened the linkage between universities and industry. The number of technology patents and spinoffs coming out of university research has a significant impact on regional economic and social development. To further highlight the importance of university spinoffs, the article aims to review available literature on university spinoffs and present a comprehensive overview of what university spinoffs are, why they are important, what makes them significant, and how they are or can be created. In addition to reviewing existing models of University spinoff creation, the authors propose a new, multi-stage, holistic model.&#x0D; The authors explore how universities can promote new research-based businesses by suggesting that the nature of the supplied support depends on demands of spin-off companies. Adopting a demand-side perspective, the authors seek to understand the challenges faced by new technology businesses and hence identify how universities can assist their start-up and development.&#x0D; The paper nuances the common conception of a university as one uniform entity in relation&#x0D; to spin-offs, and assesses the literature including all levels within the university. The analysis of EU spin-off models, activities, methodologies and policies is based on the outcomes of the ERASMUS+ project “University-Enterprise Cooperation via Spin-Off Companies Network (UNISON)”.</jats:p>