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Token endeavors: The significance of academic spin-offs in technology transfer and research policy in Germany

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  • Andreas Knie
  • Martin Lengwiler

Abstract

Based on the principal-agent theory, this paper analyses the historical emergence of policies supporting spin-off activities since the end of the Second World War, focusing on Germany as an exemplary case study. It argues that the significance of spin-offs in research policy is not an effect of their hard-and-fast number or their direct economic impacts but rather of their symbolic meaning, providing legitimacy for academic institutions and funding agencies in controversial public debates about science and technological policies. Spin-offs, like technology transfer at large, are important to the rationale and legitimacy of science and research policy. Copyright , Beech Tree Publishing.

Suggested Citation

  • Andreas Knie & Martin Lengwiler, 2008. "Token endeavors: The significance of academic spin-offs in technology transfer and research policy in Germany," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 35(3), pages 171-182, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:35:y:2008:i:3:p:171-182
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.3152/030234208X302661
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    Cited by:

    1. Potthast, Jörg & Guggenheim, Michael, 2008. "Are academic spin-offs really doing science?," Discussion Papers, Research Group Science Policy Studies SP III 2008-602, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    2. James A. Cunningham & Matthias Menter & Chris Young, 2017. "A review of qualitative case methods trends and themes used in technology transfer research," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 42(4), pages 923-956, August.
    3. Potthast, Jörg, 2009. "Re-thinking science-industry relations along the interactive model: The case of academic spin-offs," Discussion Papers, Research Group Science Policy Studies SP III 2009-603, WZB Berlin Social Science Center.
    4. Flink, Tim & Kaldewey, David, 2018. "The new production of legitimacy: STI policy discourses beyond the contract metaphor," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 47(1), pages 14-22.

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