Academic entrepreneurs, academic spin-offs and the economic importance of academic spin-offs are
explored in this chapter. A number of factors will influence the ability to establish and develop spin-offs.
Some of these arise from the priorities and views of university researchers and characteristics of academic culture. Others are from the wider business environment and the ability of the academic-industry
infrastructure to promote and support the development of spin-offs. Supply-side factors will include the business background, skills, relevant experience and access to finance, of the founders/co-founders of spin-offs. Whereas, the demand-side factors will include unemployment in the region, demand for the services provided by the spin-offs, the local industry structure (whether conducive to the formation of spin-offs), and the level of economic activity in the local economy.
Chapter 7: Global Start-ups and business development
This chapter examines the characteristics of global start-ups and relates case studies of these small businesses. By describing, understanding and interpreting the reasons behind the emergence of global start-ups it is possible to gain insight into their needs for business support. Six global start-up case studies are described, which were investigated, and these reveal different characteristics and aspects for business development. Perhaps the main limitation is that most of the companies are in the early stage of business development, but it is envisaged that this work will be developed into a longitudinal study which will show interesting evolutionary dynamics in future years.