Title: Entrepreneurial innovation problems associated with the dynamic growth of university spin-outs in China: a capabilities perspective

Authors: Yuan Zhou, Tim Minshall, Charles Hampden-Turner

Addresses: Centre for Technology Management, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. ' Centre for Technology Management, Institute for Manufacturing, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK. ' Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK

Abstract: This research aims to develop a capabilities-based conceptual framework in order to study the stage-specific innovation problems associated with the dynamic growth process of university spin-outs (hereafter referred to as USOs) in China. Based on the existing literature, pilot cases and five critical cases, this study attempts to explore the interconnections between the entrepreneurial innovation problems and the configuration of innovative capabilities (that acquire, mobilise and re-configure the key resources) throughout the lifecycle of a firm in four growth phases. This paper aims to contribute to the literature in a holistic manner by providing a theoretical discussion of USOs| development through adding evidence from a rapid growth emerging economy. To date, studies that have investigated the development of USOs in China recognised the heterogeneity of USOs in terms of capabilities still remain sparse. Addressing this research gap will be of great interest to entrepreneurs, policy makers and venture investors.

Keywords: university spin-outs; firm growth; resource-based view; RBV; China; capabilities-based frameworks; universities; higher education; dynamic growth; interconnections; configurations; innovative capabilities; key resources; lifecycles; emerging economies; heterogeneity; entrepreneurs; policy makers; venture investors; entrepreneurial innovation; global entrepreneurship; innovation management; globalisation.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2010.035087

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2010 Vol.12 No.3/4, pp.330 - 362

Published online: 03 Sep 2010 *

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