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Imprinting and the progeny of university spin-offs

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Abstract

In this paper, we employ a genealogical imprinting approach to theorize that experiences incurred during the founding of a first-generation university spin-off will influence future spin-off activity from the focal firm. We propose that firms that secure equity investment during their founding process will have a higher likelihood of generating subsequent spin-offs, and that this impact is conditional on the human capital of the founding team. We test our hypotheses on a sample of 101 first generation university spin-offs around a large US research university and their subsequent progeny firms. This study develops a new understanding of multi-generational spin-off processes in a region.

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Notes

  1. Results were robust using a 1-year window.

  2. Results were robust using a Cox model specification.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Massachusetts Lowell, Lowell, MA, 10856, USA

    Michael P. Ciuchta

  2. China Europe International Business School, 699 Hongfeng Road, Pudong, Shanghai, 201206, People’s Republic of China

    Yan Gong

  3. Wisconsin School of Business, University of Wisconsin – Madison, 975 University Avenue, Madison, WI, 53706, USA

    Anne S. Miner

  4. Suffolk University, 8 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA, 02108, USA

    Chaim Letwin

  5. Andreas School of Business, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami Shores, FL, 33161, USA

    Anthony Sadler

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  1. Michael P. Ciuchta
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Correspondence to Michael P. Ciuchta.

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Ciuchta, M.P., Gong, Y., Miner, A.S. et al. Imprinting and the progeny of university spin-offs. J Technol Transf 41, 1113–1134 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10961-015-9464-1

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