Venture Creation Programs: bridging entrepreneurship education and technology transfer

Journal article, 2015

Purpose – The article explores how university-based entrepreneurship programs, incorporating real-life venture creation into educational design and delivery, can bridge the gap between entrepreneurship education and technology transfer within the university environment. Design/Methodology/Approach – Based on a literature review and snowball sampling over a two-year period, 18 entrepreneurship education programs were identified as applying a venture creation approach. Ten of these programs were selected for case study, including direct interviews and participatory observation during a two-day workshop. Empirical findings were iteratively related to theory within entrepreneurship education and technology transfer. Findings - The article identifies the bridging capabilities of venture creation programs across five core themes, illustrating the potential benefits of closer collaboration between entrepreneurship education and technology transfer in a university environment. Research implications – A definition for ‘venture creation program’ is tested empirically. These programs are shown to be sophisticated laboratory environments, allowing for clinical research towards the understanding of entrepreneurship and technology transfer processes. Practical implications – Findings identify practical benefits of combining entrepreneurship educators and technology transfer activities, such as increased value creation through not only new firms, but also an entrepreneurially equipped graduate population.. Venture creation programs allow for ‘spin-through’ of innovative ideas in the university environment, while simultaneously contributing to entrepreneurial learning. Originality / Value – This article presents findings from the first multiple case study into entrepreneurship educations specifically designed to develop real-life venture as part of the core curriculum. Findings provide basis for investigating the value of integrating entrepreneurship education and technology transfer at the university.