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The Strength of Strong Ties: University Spin-offs and the Significance of Historical Relations

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Abstract

This article investigates the relationship between universities and academic spin-offs, with special emphasis on the antecedent conditions of, and the nature of the linkages that the spin-offs form, as well as the means for sustaining them. The present research uses an instrumental case study approach, and is also an instance of a collective case study as four companies of various size and activities have been studied together. The preliminary results indicate that the network relations are characterized by a small number of strong ties to universities, with a high degree of trust and informality. Although fruitful for the transfer of complex knowledge, the strength of the ties also make them difficult to substitute, which may lead to problems as the spin-offs are highly dependent on continued basic research support. This may in turn lead to implications for policy at university, as well as higher levels.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Innovation Engineering and Management, Chalmers University of Technology, Vera Sandbergs Allé 8, Sweden

    Mattias Johansson

  2. Department of Management Politics and Philosophy, Copenhagen Businees School, Denmark

    Merle Jacob

  3. Department of Management Politics and Philosophy, Copenhagen Businees School, Denmark

    Tomas Hellström

Authors
  1. Mattias Johansson
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  2. Merle Jacob
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  3. Tomas Hellström
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Johansson, M., Jacob, M. & Hellström, T. The Strength of Strong Ties: University Spin-offs and the Significance of Historical Relations. J Technol Transfer 30, 271–286 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-005-0930-z

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