Title: University spin-offs and triple helix dynamics in regional innovation ecosystems: a comparison of technology intensive start-ups in Sweden

Authors: Jonas Gabrielsson; Diamanto Politis; Anders Billström

Addresses: Department of Business Studies, School of Business and Engineering, Halmstad University, P.O. Box 118, SE-30118 Halmstad, Sweden ' Sten K Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship, School of Economics and Management, Lund University, P.O. Box 7080, SE-220 07 Lund, Sweden ' Department of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Bodø Graduate School of Business, University of Nordland, P.O. Box 1490, NO-8049 Bodø, Norway

Abstract: This study offers novel insights into how university spin-offs contribute to triple helix dynamics and the evolutionary processes of industrial renewal in regional innovation ecosystems. We analyse three groups of technology intensive start-ups: university spin-offs, corporate spin-offs, and independent technology start-ups. We compare and analyse various characteristics, functions, and processes among the three groups using primary data from a questionnaire survey conducted at 341 young firms operating in two technology intensive sectors in Sweden. Our findings suggest that university spin-offs differ from the other two groups with respect to their contribution to triple helix dynamics in regional innovation ecosystems. University spin-offs cooperate more closely with universities, conduct more in-house R&D, purchase more R&D services, and offer more innovative products/services in the introduction stage of their industry life cycles.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; technology-intensive start-ups; triple helix dynamics; regional innovation; university spin-offs; Sweden.

DOI: 10.1504/GBER.2019.099398

Global Business and Economics Review, 2019 Vol.21 No.3/4, pp.362 - 381

Received: 07 Oct 2017
Accepted: 14 Feb 2018
Published online: 01 May 2019 *

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