THE ACADEMIC SPIN-OFF PHENOMENON: STRUCTURING A NEW FIELD OF RESEARCH IN BRAZIL

Abstract

Despite the highlighted theoretical and empirical importance attributed to the academic spin-offs (ASOs), there are still few studies in Brazil regarding these organizations as a phenomenon. Hence, this paper presents a literature review of the main international academic publications focused on the study of ASOs, in order to stimulate and to provide guidelines for future national research dedicated to this theme. The review enabled both the characterization of the phenomenon – in terms of terminology, definition and taxonomy – and the identification of the main related strands of research. The process of creation and development of these new ventures was recognized as the integrative element of inquiry, being discussed in greater detail. The inclusion of prototypical firms, the co-evolution with science, the possibility for the researcher to remain at the parent organization and the entrepreneurship as a way of technology transfer were some of the typical features attached to the phenomenon. Management perspectives, such as the resource-based view and theories centered on the business model concept, were distinguished as some of the main foundations of this new field of research. Distinct levels of antecedents and consequents of the ASO activity were differentiated and exemplified. Finally, stages of development and obstacles faced during the process were pointed out. Therefore, the state-of-art of the academic research focused on this specific type of firm was revised, articulating and summarizing its main evidences and propositions.