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Entrepreneurial Academics and Regional Innovation Systems: The Case of Spin-Offs from London's Universities

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  • Helen Lawton Smith

    (Department of Management, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, England)

  • Dave Chapman

    (Management Science and Innovation, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, England)

  • Peter Wood

    (Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, England)

  • Timothy Barnes

    (UCL Advances, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, England)

  • Saverio Romeo

    (Department of Management, Birkbeck, University of London, Malet Street, London WC1E 7HX, England)

Abstract

In this paper we explore the spin-off process from London's universities using a regional innovation systems (RIS) framework. We examine the pattern of spin-offs in the context of changes in institutional support systems, both within the universities and in the London region. The majority of the university-related spin-offs are small and medium-sized enterprises concentrated in biomedical sectors, as elsewhere. However, over a third have left London. We explore these patterns, the implications for understanding the role of universities in RIS, and consequent policy implications.

Suggested Citation

  • Helen Lawton Smith & Dave Chapman & Peter Wood & Timothy Barnes & Saverio Romeo, 2014. "Entrepreneurial Academics and Regional Innovation Systems: The Case of Spin-Offs from London's Universities," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 32(2), pages 341-359, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:envirc:v:32:y:2014:i:2:p:341-359
    DOI: 10.1068/c11159b
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Véronique Schaeffer & Mireille Matt, 2016. "Development of academic entrepreneurship in a non-mature context: the role of the university as a hub-organisation," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 28(9-10), pages 724-745, October.
    2. Adam Warren & Michael Hoyler & Morag Bell, 2016. "From ‘shadowy cabal’ to new profession: Networks of cooperation and competition in UK Higher Education fundraising," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 34(5), pages 837-854, August.
    3. Prokop, Daniel, 2021. "University entrepreneurial ecosystems and spinoff companies: Configurations, developments and outcomes," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 107(C).
    4. Robert Huggins & Daniel Prokop & Piers Thompson, 2020. "Universities and open innovation: the determinants of network centrality," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 45(3), pages 718-757, June.
    5. Susanne Pankov & Vivek K. Velamuri & Dirk Schneckenberg, 2021. "Towards sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems: examining the effect of contextual factors on sustainable entrepreneurial activities in the sharing economy," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1073-1095, February.
    6. Peter Jelfs & Helen Lawton Smith, 2021. "Financial performance studies of university spin-off companies (USOs) in the West Midlands," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 46(6), pages 1949-1972, December.

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