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Abstract

In this paper the process of the business development of spin-off companies from universities is described. The authors discuss each phase of development (awareness, feasibility, start-up, growth and maturity) and provide examples of each phase. They describe in particular the example of the University of Twente and its spin-off programme, TOP (Temporary Entrepreneurial Positions). Secondly, they focus on university spin-off programmes: what are the arguments against and in favour of such initiatives? The arguments that led the University of Twente to favour investment in spin-off programmes are discussed. The final section of the paper concerns the EU-supported UNISPIN project, a systematic approach to university spin-off development throughout all member states of the European Union.

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References

European Commission (1997), ‘Innovation, creation of new businesses and jobs’, Round Table dossier for a meeting in Paris, 9 December 1997.

UNISPIN (1999), Good Practice Guide, University of Twente, Enschede.

University of Twente (1996), Building Blocks for High-Tech Entrepreneurship: the Twente Concept, University of Twente, Enschede.

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(1998), ‘The Technology Circle Twente’, in van Alsté

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(1996), ‘University spin-off companies; the Dutch scene’, report prepared for the Leonardo project on university spin-off companies, LiaisonGroep, Enschede.

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, and Van Tilburg

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P. C.

, and Van Driem

G. A.

(1999), ‘Incubation infrastructure for knowledge-intensive companies around the University of Twente’, Industry and Higher Education, Vol 13, No 4, pp 243–247.

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Support of university spin-off companies

Abstract

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References