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The role of knowledge spillovers on the university spin-offs innovation

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  • María Jesús Rodríguez-Gulías
  • Sara Fernández-López
  • David Rodeiro-Pazos
  • Christian Corsi
  • Antonio Prencipe

Abstract

University Spin-Offs (USOs) are actively involved in the knowledge spillover process and fully integrated in the regional innovation systems. Drawing on the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship and using a multilevel approach of analysis, we explore whether the region’s knowledge spillover and the firm’s absorptive capacity jointly determine the innovative performance of USOs. At regional level, technological spillovers, production spillovers, and human capital spillovers have been considered. The results from a cross-national panel sample of 401 and 711 Spanish and Italian USOs, over the period 2005–13 and located in twenty-two administrative regions, show that only the production spillovers have a significant positive effect on the USO’s innovative activity. Firm-specific characteristics are important for explaining USOs’ innovation. More specifically, firm age has a negative effect, while firm size seems to have a positive effect. Additionally, USOs active in high-tech sectors seem to perform better in their innovation activity.

Suggested Citation

  • María Jesús Rodríguez-Gulías & Sara Fernández-López & David Rodeiro-Pazos & Christian Corsi & Antonio Prencipe, 2018. "The role of knowledge spillovers on the university spin-offs innovation," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 45(6), pages 875-883.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:scippl:v:45:y:2018:i:6:p:875-883.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/scipol/scy018
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    2. Guckenbiehl, Peter & Corral de Zubielqui, Graciela & Lindsay, Noel, 2021. "Knowledge and innovation in start-up ventures: A systematic literature review and research agenda," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 172(C).

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