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When computer science is not enough: universities knowledge specializations behind artificial intelligence startups in Italy

Author

Listed:
  • Alessandra Colombelli

    (Politecnico di Torino)

  • Elettra D’Amico

    (Politecnico di Torino)

  • Emilio Paolucci

    (Politecnico di Torino)

Abstract

This paper investigates the role of local knowledge specializations from universities in the artificial intelligence (AI) startup creation process. The empirical analysis is grounded in the Knowledge Spillovers Theory of Entrepreneurship. It provides evidence of the interplay between the presence of university knowledge specializations and the creation of AI startups located in Italian NUTS3 regions. More precisely, we analyze the mix of different types of university knowledge specializations able to foster the creation of AI startups, demonstrating that competencies in technological domains, such as computer science, need to be complemented with domains of applications for the emergence of AI technology. The findings indicate that the creation of AI startups is closely tied to the local knowledge present in the region. The article also proposes an empirical approach to identify and classify innovative startups operating in AI domains. Our work offers important implications for regional innovation policies and the management of AI in entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Alessandra Colombelli & Elettra D’Amico & Emilio Paolucci, 2023. "When computer science is not enough: universities knowledge specializations behind artificial intelligence startups in Italy," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 48(5), pages 1599-1627, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jtecht:v:48:y:2023:i:5:d:10.1007_s10961-023-10029-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10961-023-10029-7
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Knowledge spillovers; University knowledge specialization; Artificial intelligence; New firm formation; Innovative startups;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • O33 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Technological Change: Choices and Consequences; Diffusion Processes
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes

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