Public policy for academic entrepreneurship initiatives: a review and critical discussion

Christian Sandström (), Karl Wennberg (), Martin W. Wallin () and Yulia Zherlygina ()
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Christian Sandström: Chalmers University of Technology
Karl Wennberg: The Ratio Institute
Martin W. Wallin: Chalmers University of Technology
Yulia Zherlygina: The Ratio Institute

The Journal of Technology Transfer, 2018, vol. 43, issue 5, No 6, 1232-1256

Abstract: Abstract This article provides a critical review and discussion of current literature on technology transfer, incubators, and academic entrepreneurship. Drawing upon the notion of robustness in social systems and public choice theory, we review, code, and taxonomize 166 studies to assess the likelihood that these initiatives will generate innovation and economic growth. We find that academic entrepreneurship initiatives are characterized by conflicting goals, weak incentive structures for universities and academics, and are contextually dependent upon factors such as university strength. Our results suggest that there are critical boundary conditions that are unlikely to be fulfilled when universities and policymakers enact policies to support academic entrepreneurship initiatives. Policymakers therefore need to be cautious in the potential design of such initiatives. We discuss how technology transfer from universities might be better achieved through alternative mechanisms such as contract research, licensing, consulting and increased labor mobility among researchers.

Keywords: Academic entrepreneurship; Literature review; Policy; Robustness; Public choice theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: M13 O3 O4 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (19)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10961-016-9536-x

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