Title: Implementing the spin-along approach: a capability analysis of Telekom Innovation Laboratories' corporate venturing programme

Authors: Sarah Mahdjour; Sebastian Fischer

Addresses: Telekom Innovation Laboratories, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 7, 10587 Berlin, Germany; Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany ' Telekom Innovation Laboratories, Ernst-Reuter-Platz 7, 10587 Berlin, Germany; Technische Universität Berlin, Straße des 17. Juni 135, 10623 Berlin, Germany

Abstract: This paper extends an emerging concept of corporate entrepreneurship theory - the spin-along approach. By implementing the spin-along approach, companies combine the benefits of both internal and external corporate venturing. Our research identifies core capabilities for the successful implementation of a spin-along programme. Our findings are based on an analysis of the spin-along programme of Telekom Innovation Laboratories (T-Labs), the central R&D unit of Deutsche Telekom AG. In a 12-month research project we conducted 19 semi-structured interviews along with participant observation methods to identify 13 core capabilities which represent clusters of good practice measures for implementing the spin-along approach in this organisational context. These capabilities focus on the development of a suitable corporate environment, the setup of a comprehensive spin-along programme and the development of new ventures. Our insights create value for practitioners who want to introduce a spin-along programme in their organisation, and also to business researchers by extending knowledge on the spin-along approach.

Keywords: corporate entrepreneurship; corporate venturing; spin-along approach; spin-ins; spin-outs; spin-offs; case study; Telekom Innovation Laboratories; T-Labs; Deutsche Telekom AG; R&D units; research and development; Germany; capability analysis.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTMKT.2015.068590

International Journal of Technology Marketing, 2015 Vol.10 No.2, pp.160 - 178

Received: 08 Jan 2014
Accepted: 11 May 2014
Published online: 06 Apr 2015 *

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