Title: Drivers of growth: the case of French academic spin-off

Authors: Veronique Bessière; Marie Gomez-Breysse; Karim Messeghem; Andry Ramaroson; Sylvie Sammut

Addresses: IAE de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier – MRM/Labex Entreprendre, Place Eugène Bataillon – 34090 Montpellier, France ' AES-Université de Montpellier, MRM/Labex Entreprendre, Avenue Raymond Dugrand – 34960 Montpellier, France ' AES-Université de Montpellier, MRM/Labex Entreprendre, Avenue Raymond Dugrand – 34960 Montpellier, France ' AES-Université de Montpellier, MRM/Labex Entreprendre, Avenue Raymond Dugrand – 34960 Montpellier, France ' ISEM-Université de Montpellier, 208 rue Vendémiaire – 34000 Montpellier, France

Abstract: Academic spin-offs (ASOs) have developed considerably in France since the 2000s. However, despite a strong increase in the number of new ventures, little is known about their ability to experience and sustain growth beyond the first five years. Based on a sample of 118 French ASOs from the same generation, this article analyses the factors that determine their growth during the development phase. These factors are derived from a resource-based view (RBV) and a dynamic capabilities approach (DCA). The results of our quantitative study show that four factors determine the growth of ASOs: entrepreneurial orientation (and broader cognitive resources), the acquisition of skills in the entrepreneurial process, the amount of public and private financing, technological capabilities and support programs.

Keywords: growth; academic spin-offs; resources and dynamic capabilities approach; acquisition of skills; entrepreneurial orientation; entrepreneurial support; financing; France.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2017.085684

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2017 Vol.21 No.4/5, pp.318 - 342

Received: 08 Feb 2016
Accepted: 28 Jun 2016
Published online: 07 Aug 2017 *

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