Contrasting models of incubation for enterprise creation: Exploring lessons for efficacy and sustainability from higher education institutions in India and the United Kingdom

Rakesh Basant, Sarah Cooper

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract / Description of output

Objective: Encouraging the establishment and growth of technology-based ventures continues to be the focus of attention from policy-makers globally, linked to enhanced levels of innovation, economic activity and wealth/employment creation. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are prominent among the public, private and not-for-profit organisations supporting the commercialisation of scientific outputs. Modes and vehicles adopted include spin-outs, science parks, intellectual property exploitation and different forms of incubation activity. Some HEIs in the United Kingdom have significant experience of commercialisation and technology transfer activities and have developed markedly different approaches. Meanwhile, HEIs in India are broadening their attention from their teaching-research focus to wider engagement in supporting venture creation. While approaches differ between HEIs all face issues of efficacy and sustainability.
Prior Work: The paper draws on literature on the wider context of HEI engagement in commercialisation and studies which explore contrasting models adopted and drivers/motivations which have influenced institutional choices. We also consider measures of effectiveness and sustainability which may be applied in the HEI context.
Approach: Set within the wider context of the HEI commercialisation agenda this paper focuses on incubation models, with particular attention to efficacy and sustainability dimensions. Evidence was gathered using a qualitative, case-based approach, investigating experiences of HEIs in India and the UK in the area of business incubation. Three institutional case studies were undertaken in each country, with data collected via in-depth interviews with key HEI actors and some beneficiaries of incubation support.
Results: We identify contrasting ways in which incubation was undertaken, exploring dimensions such as incubatee selection, technology focus, actual vs virtual facilities, availability of mentoring/other services, provision of financial support and mechanisms for long-term funding of incubation activities. The relationship between business incubation activities and creation of learning opportunities around entrepreneurship at an institutional level are also explored.
Implications: Findings raise questions regarding whether and if so how HEIs should be involved in the business of incubation. They also highlight the importance of joining-the-dots, fostering strong links with other areas of HEI activity linked to the commercialisation agenda, e.g. entrepreneurship education, to enhance efficacy and provide a more broadly-based and robust platform for underpinning sustainability.
Value: The study contributes to a more detailed understanding of the nature of HEI business incubation and surfaces contrasting approaches and relative advantages in enhancing efficacy and sustainability
Original languageEnglish
Publication statusPublished - 2015
EventISBE Conference 2015 - Scotland, Glasgow, United Kingdom
Duration: 10 Nov 201512 Nov 2015

Conference

ConferenceISBE Conference 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited Kingdom
CityGlasgow
Period10/11/1512/11/15

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