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The role of universities in the location of innovative start-upsa

Author

Listed:
  • Giorgio Calacagnini

    (Department of Economics, Society & Politics, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo")

  • Ilario Favaretto

    (Department of Economics, Society & Politics, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo")

  • Germana Giombini

    (Department of Economics, Society & Politics, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo")

  • Francesco Perugini

    (Department of Economics, Society & Politics, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo")

  • Rosalba Rombaldoni

    (Department of Economics, Society & Politics, Università di Urbino "Carlo Bo")

Abstract

Start-ups increasingly find the prospect of university-industry collaborations to be a powerful driver of innovation and entrepreneurship activity. Moreover, at the geographical level, they are attracted by teaching and research institutions, either public or private. This paper focuses on the role played by universities. Our hypothesis is that geographical proximity favors the transfer of knowledge and technology from universities to industries and, consequently, represents a positive factor for regional economic development. Results show that university spillovers are positively correlated with the creation of innovative start-ups. Furthermore, the presence of human capital (graduates) exerts a significant influence on the location decisions of start-ups, being a source for competitiveness for firms close to universities. Research quality, especially in the social sciences area, attracts innovative start-ups, while third-mission activities have a weak impact on locational choice.

Suggested Citation

  • Giorgio Calacagnini & Ilario Favaretto & Germana Giombini & Francesco Perugini & Rosalba Rombaldoni, 2014. "The role of universities in the location of innovative start-upsa," Working Papers 1409, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, Department of Economics, Society & Politics - Scientific Committee - L. Stefanini & G. Travaglini, revised 2014.
    • Handle: RePEc:urb:wpaper:14_09
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    CKnowledge transfer; Innovative start-up; University spillovers;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • L20 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - General
    • R30 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - Real Estate Markets, Spatial Production Analysis, and Firm Location - - - General

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