Title: Impact of regional systems of innovation on the formation of university spin-offs by biomedical star scientists

Authors: V.J. Thomas; Elicia Maine

Addresses: School of Business, The University of the Fraser Valley, 33844 King Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7M8, Canada ' Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University, 500 Granville Street, Vancouver, BC V6C 1W6, Canada

Abstract: Scientists in research universities can play a formative role in commercialising their inventions for the benefit of society. University spin-off formation is increasing in importance as an alternative to licensing, and can be impacted by both micro and macro-level factors of the regional system of innovation. However, there is limited understanding of the ways in which these factors can interact to enable the formation of university spin-offs. In this study we examine how the productivity of two biomedical star scientists in co-founding university spin-offs can be supported or constrained by other elements of the regional system of innovation. Recommendations are made for research universities seeking to foster entrepreneurship through university spin-off formation.

Keywords: star scientists; university spin-offs; regional systems of innovation; RSI; anchor companies; technology entrepreneurship; innovation policy; science policy; academic entrepreneurship; university entrepreneurship; science commercialisation; biomedicine; lifesciences; biotechnology; technology transfer.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2019.100108

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2019 Vol.37 No.2, pp.271 - 287

Received: 19 Jul 2017
Accepted: 19 Jul 2017
Published online: 09 Jun 2019 *

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