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Transferring Scientific Knowledge to Academic Startups: the Moderating Effect of the Dual Identity of Academic Entrepreneurs on Forming Knowledge Depth and Knowledge Breadth

Author

Listed:
  • Yuanyuan Chen

    (Chongqing University)

  • Wei Liu

    (Chongqing University)

  • Stavros Sindakis

    (Hellenic Open University)

  • Sakshi Aggarwal

    (Institute of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Education for Growth)

Abstract

This paper explores the mechanism for knowledge transfer of academic entrepreneurs by using the knowledge spillover theory of entrepreneurship (KSTE) and identity theory. We classified academic entrepreneurs into two distinct hybrid types, “hybrid scientists” and “hybrid entrepreneurs,” based on different identity centralities and conducted an empirical study on the relationship among academic entrepreneurs’ scientific knowledge, the two dimensions of their firms’ knowledge base (knowledge depth and knowledge breadth), and their various hybrid roles. This study involving 176 academic start-ups from National Equities Exchange and Quotations (NEEQ) in China discovered that academic entrepreneurs’ scientific knowledge positively contributes to the emergence of academic start-ups’ knowledge base. The different dual identities moderately affect the relationship between academic entrepreneurs’ scientific knowledge and their firms’ knowledge depth and breadth. The results suggest that academic entrepreneurs who are also “hybrid scientists” can positively promote the development of the firms’ knowledge breadth, and the “hybrid entrepreneurs” deepen the knowledge depth of academic start-ups.

Suggested Citation

  • Yuanyuan Chen & Wei Liu & Stavros Sindakis & Sakshi Aggarwal, 2024. "Transferring Scientific Knowledge to Academic Startups: the Moderating Effect of the Dual Identity of Academic Entrepreneurs on Forming Knowledge Depth and Knowledge Breadth," Journal of the Knowledge Economy, Springer;Portland International Center for Management of Engineering and Technology (PICMET), vol. 15(1), pages 1823-1844, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jknowl:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s13132-023-01110-5
    DOI: 10.1007/s13132-023-01110-5
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