Title: Factors influencing academic entrepreneurship in Nigerian universities

Authors: Caleb Muyiwa Adelowo

Addresses: Department of Science Policy and Innovation Studies, National Centre for Technology Management, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, PMB 012, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Abstract: This article explored academic entrepreneurship in Nigerian universities with a view to understanding important determinants and support structures for promoting innovations. With intense pressure on universities to contribute to economic growth and fulfil the 'third mission' objective, it becomes imperative to examine various ways Nigerian academics contribute to this development. The article is premised on the knowledge spill-over theory of entrepreneurship, shifting the lens of analysis on scientists and researchers. Data were collected from 229 faculties, selected from thirteen universities in Southwest, Nigeria. The results revealed that most academics participated in entrepreneurial activities related to training and consultancy while the incidence of start-up formation was low. The type of research conducted, intellectual property (IP) disclosure, entrepreneurship training attended and rewards system in the university showed statistically significant relationship with entrepreneurial engagements while job status and presence of technology transfer offices or similar facilities did not. The article concludes with plausible policy options to strengthen academic entrepreneurship in these universities.

Keywords: academic entrepreneurship; innovation; Nigeria; knowledge transfer; commercialisation; start-up.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2018.097457

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2018 Vol.8 No.4, pp.337 - 357

Received: 27 Feb 2018
Accepted: 06 Jul 2018
Published online: 23 Jan 2019 *

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