How university spin-offs differ in composition and interaction: a qualitative approach

During their early development, academic spin-off projects are embedded in the context of research institutions. However, knowledge is still lacking on whether the influence of university structures on spin-off projects or the need for resources and the initial setting of these projects vary across research disciplines or university departments. To enhance our understanding of the development of spin-off projects, it is necessary to identify strategies focusing on the specific characteristics of spin-off projects within a single research institution. In our study, we therefore address interactions of spin-off projects with several factors within one university, based on spin-off projects from 2007 to 2013. We inductively derive four types of spin-off projects that interact differently with the different factors and the university. By concentrating on the specific needs of each type, we can provide a framework allowing to identify spin-off needs and to implement target-oriented support mechanisms.