Barriers and ernablers to sciencepreneurship in Austria – an empirical analysis

Abstract

A lot of researchers in technical fields in Austria produce great results in research and development of new technologies or methods in various fields. This knowledge is usually in a state where it is ready to get commercialized via numerous channels. Nevertheless, not many of these technologies or methods reach the market as products or services. This thesis focuses on finding barriers and enablers for Sciencepreneurship in Austria in an empirical study. A sciencepreneur is a university employee or student who founds a company to commercialize an invention created at the university. The main focus will be on universities and research institutions located in Austria. To find barriers and enablers, three groups have been investigated - Researchers, Technology Transfer Offices (TTOs) and Spin-offs. The three groups have been interviewed in a qualitative interview process. Further, the obtained data has been coded and categorized to find overarching enablers and barriers for Sciencepreneurship in Austria. It can be concluded that in the empirical study 11 barriers and 11 enablers have been identified and described. Among the most important enablers for Sciencepreneurs in Austria are “incubation, acceleration and services” as well as a comprehensive “university and knowledge transfer strategy”. Additionally, strong partnerships and cooperation as well as integrated entrepreneurial education are very important for successful spin-offs. The main barriers with the highest frequency for Sciencepreneurs in Austria are the currently implemented incentive schemes and the success measures for scientists which do not foster entrepreneurship. Additionally, a perceived barrier is the IP and patent process and the career inflexibility for researchers. The found enablers and barriers describe the phenomenon, that not many great ideas in science can be transferred to products on the market, in a better way. Out of the enablers and barriers, policy makers, universities or research institutions can now define focus points and adaptions in their strategies and policies.