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Knowledge-based entrepreneurship : The organizational side of technology commercialization

Author

Listed:
  • Ulrich Witt

    (Max-Planck-Institute Jena, Evolutionary Economics group)

  • Christian Zellner

    (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Chaire en Economie et Management de l'Innovation)

Abstract

New knowledge with commercial potential is continually created in academic institutions. How is it turned into economically valuable businesses? This paper argues that the transfer is an entrepreneurial process. To understand this, the actions and the constraints characteristic for the entrepreneurial reshaping of the division of labor must be recognized. In the case of knowledge-based entrepreneurship, specific constraints result from the peculiarities of scientific knowledge – epitomized by constrasting tacit and encoded knowledge. Scientifically trained labor is required for transferring both forms of knowledge. However, the mode of transfer differs crucially and shapes the organizational form of commercializing new scientific knowledge.

Suggested Citation

  • Ulrich Witt & Christian Zellner, 2005. "Knowledge-based entrepreneurship : The organizational side of technology commercialization," CEMI Working Papers cemi-report-2005-002, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Collège du Management de la Technologie, Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship Institute, Chaire en Economie et Management de l'Innovation.
    • Handle: RePEc:cmi:wpaper:cemi-report-2005-002
    as

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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    entrepreneurship; knowledge transfer; technology commercialization;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L23 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Organization of Production
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D

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