Characteristics of support programmes for setting up spin-offs in Spanish universities

Abstract

This paper seeks to validate the models of support programmes for setting up spin-offs found in the literature analysing the differentiating characteristics of the various types of programmes existing in Spanish universities. To do this, a survey was conducted among managers of these programmes to obtain the necessary information. Secondly, the variables characterising these programmes were established by performing a factorial analysis. Thirdly, based on these variables, several different types of programme were identified in Spanish universities using cluster analysis. Finally, the differentiating characteristics of each of the types found were identified by means of Anova and logistic regression analysis. Four types of programme were found with differences in terms of human resources, experience, commitment, proactivity, selectivity, type and number of spin-offs created and the involvement in their management. Two successful models were identified from among the four types of programmes found. This study confirms the importance of R & D activity as a determinant of the results of support programmes for setting up spin-offs in universities. However, the suggestion in the literature that programmes usually begin with a policy of low selectivity was not confirmed.