Title: Bridging the gap from research to high-technology ventures with experienced entrepreneurs

Authors: Karen A. Murdock; Majken Kramer Overgaard; Monika Luniewska Jensen; Jes Broeng

Addresses: Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, 2800, Denmark ' Catch, Center for Art and Technology, Stengade 72, 3000 Helsingor, Denmark ' Novo Nordisk Foundation, Tuborg Havnevej 19, 2900 Hellerup, Denmark ' Department of Photonics Engineering Bldg. 343, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs.Lyngby, 2800, Denmark

Abstract: The paper explores an alternative approach to the traditional transfer of university research output. This approach proposes a systematic search and matching of external experienced entrepreneurs with university researchers to stimulate spinning out university-developed technology. 'Bridging the gap' (BtG) is a model for combining the experiences, market insight and network connections of experienced entrepreneurs and the technical knowledge and capabilities of university researchers to create a stronger basis for spin-outs. Inserting market knowledge and competences in the research domain of scientists optimises the selection of technology applications, which accelerates the spin-out process and generally strengthens the prospects for the emerging firm to achieve and sustain growth. Application of the model in two departments at the Technical University of Denmark provides empirical evidence for its usefulness.

Keywords: technology transfer; university spin-out; researchers' skills gap; experienced entrepreneurs; EEs; bridging the gap; BtG; high-technology ventures; network connections; market knowledge; growth.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTTC.2017.089664

International Journal of Technology Transfer and Commercialisation, 2017 Vol.15 No.4, pp.400 - 414

Received: 07 Oct 2017
Accepted: 13 Oct 2017

Published online: 05 Feb 2018 *

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