Estimating the Population Size of Academic Spin-Offs: Challenges and Opportunities

Purpose: Firstly, this paper aims to systematize the factors involved in estimating the academic spin-off (ASO) population size, which relate to the definition of ASO. Secondly, it proposes to use equity links to develop a method to measure a part of the ASO population in Poland with its testing and critical analysis. Design/Methodology/Approach: The study utilizes an original methodology for surveying ASO population size in Poland, focusing on identifying and assessing the formal connections (equity links) between university Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and ASOs. Findings: The study led to the creation of a comprehensive database of ASOs in Poland, confirming the significant analytical potential of the equity -ties-based approach. This methodology expands and organizes the available knowledge on ASO scale and characteristics within the Polish economy. A noted limitation is the exclusion of ASOs without equity ties to universities. Practical Implications: This equity -ties-based approach provides a reliable framework for continuous ASO monitoring, enabling policymakers and academic institutions to assess the impact of support programs and foster academic entrepreneurship more strategically. Originality/Value: The developed database provided a range of information presented on such a scale for the first time. It confirms that foundations have been established for conducting quantitative research that could serve as a basis for more specialized considerations and analyses of the phenomenon at both national and international levels, as well as for studying a range of micro and macroeconomic phenomena. Moreover it has been highlighted how various choices regarding definitions can increase or decrease the number of entities classified as ASOs, which facilitates comparisons of ASO population size results obtained in different studies.