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Scientist or Entrepreneur? Identity centrality, university entrepreneurial mission, and academic entrepreneurial intention

Author

Listed:
  • Miao Wang

    (Northwestern Polytechnical University)

  • Danny Soetanto

    (Lancaster University Management School
    University of South Australia Business)

  • Jianfeng Cai

    (Northwestern Polytechnical University)

  • Hina Munir

    (University of Education)

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between identity centrality and entrepreneurial intention. Based on a survey of 275 academic scientists from 14 Chinese universities, the results show that entrepreneurial identity centrality positively influences the intention to engage in research commercialisation activities, such as spin-off creation, patenting and licensing, contracting research and consulting. We also found that the conflict between entrepreneurial and scientific identity centrality is less problematic than expected in the literature. In fact, the interaction between both identity centralities strengthens academics scientists’ intention to involve in academic entrepreneurship. Concerning the influence of institutional factor on academic entrepreneurship, the finding confirms that university entrepreneurial mission moderates the relationship between both identity centralities and the intention to establish spin-offs. Finally, this paper provides insights for academic entrepreneurship in China and practical recommendation for policy makers.

Suggested Citation

  • Miao Wang & Danny Soetanto & Jianfeng Cai & Hina Munir, 2022. "Scientist or Entrepreneur? Identity centrality, university entrepreneurial mission, and academic entrepreneurial intention," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 47(1), pages 119-146, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:47:y:2022:i:1:d:10.1007_s10961-021-09845-6
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-021-09845-6
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    Cited by:

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    2. Alicia Martin-Navarro & Felix Velicia-Martin & Jose Aurelio Medina-Garrido & Ricardo Gouveia Rodrigues, 2023. "Causal propensity as an antecedent of entrepreneurial intentions in tourism students," Papers 2312.00517, arXiv.org.
    3. Qiu, Hong & Chreim, Samia & Freel, Mark, 2023. "A tension lens for understanding entrepreneurship-related activities in the university," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 186(PB).

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Entrepreneurial intention; Identity centrality; University mission; Academic entrepreneurship;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives

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