The role of knowledge spillovers on the University Spin-Offs innovation

Abstract

University Spin-Offs (USOs) are active involved in the knowledge spillover process and full integrated in the regional innovation systems. Drawing on the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship and using a multilevel approach of analysis, we explore whether the region’s knowledge spillover and the firm’s absorptive capacity jointly determine the innovative performance of USOs. At regional level technological spillovers, production spillovers and human capital spillovers has been considered. The results from a cross-national panel sample of 531 and 952 Spanish and Italian USOs, over the period 2005-2013 and located in 36 administrative regions, show that only the production spillovers has a significant positive effect on the USO’s innovative activity. Firm-specific characteristics are important for explaining USOs’ innovation. More specifically, firm age has a negative effect, while firm size seems to have a positive effect. Additionally, USOs active in high-tech sectors seems perform better in their innovation activity.