Title: The role of research-based spin-offs in innovation ecosystems

Authors: Oscarina Conceição; Cristina Sousa; Margarida Fontes

Addresses: Polytechnical Institute of Cávado and Ave, Campus do IPCA, 4750-810, Barcelos, Portugal; Iscte Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, DINÂMIA'CET, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Edifício Iscte, Sala 2W4-d, 1649-026, Lisboa, Portugal ' Iscte Instituto Universitário de Lisboa, DINÂMIA'CET, Avenida das Forças Armadas, Edifício Iscte, Sala 2W4-d, 1649-026, Lisboa, Portugal ' LNEG – Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, Campus do Lumiar, Estrada do Paço do Lumiar, 22, 1649-038, Lisboa, Portugal

Abstract: The objective of the paper is to contribute to a better understanding of the various roles played by research-based spin-offs (RBSOs) in knowledge dissemination. It investigates if RBSOs act as connectors and knowledge translators, both between different types of organisations within an innovation ecosystem and across different geographical scales and knowledge environments. This latter role has been relatively less investigated but is important to open local innovation ecosystems. The paper analyses the networks formed by Portuguese RBSOs in the context of research, technology and product development projects. The results suggest that RBSOs play an intermediary role in the country's innovation ecosystem, which can assume different forms. In the national networks, they frequently bridge research and downstream organisations, contributing to the dissemination of knowledge within the ecosystem. In the international networks, their most important role may be as connectors and conveyors of advanced knowledge produced in external knowledge environments

Keywords: spin-offs; innovation ecosystems knowledge dissemination; inter-firm relationships.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEED.2024.136212

International Journal of Education Economics and Development, 2024 Vol.15 No.1/2, pp.171 - 194

Received: 23 Apr 2022
Accepted: 13 Sep 2022
Published online: 22 Jan 2024 *

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