Title: The conflict in the academic spinoff: the game theory approach

Authors: Walter Vesperi

Addresses: Department of Economics, University of Messina, P.zza Pugliatti, 1, Messina, Italy

Abstract: This study investigates the interpersonal conflicts that are generated in the academic spin-offs (ASOs) between the venture capital (VC) and the entrepreneurial team (ET). In the post-investment phase, the simultaneous presence of VC and ET determines a crucial phase for survival and growth of the spinoff. The presence of conflicting interests between ET and VC is the cause of interpersonal conflicts. The entrepreneurial team aims to develop research by generating new academic knowledge. The venture capital aims to maximise profit. The study uses game theory as an approach to describe conflicts. The conflict theory is not fully analysed in the spin-off context. This study by the game theory approach wants to offer a new perspective of analysis and management of conflict within complex organisations such as academic spinoffs. The implementation of game theory in the academic entrepreneurship field of research opens new potential prospects for analysis such as decision-making process.

Keywords: interpersonal conflict; spinoff; academic spin-off; ASO; game theory; entrepreneurial team.

DOI: 10.1504/IJRIC.2017.091117

International Journal of Research, Innovation and Commercialisation, 2017 Vol.1 No.2, pp.191 - 204

Received: 17 Oct 2017
Accepted: 14 Dec 2017
Published online: 10 Apr 2018 *

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