- Titel
- Perceived Factors Influencing the Creation of University Spin-Offs in Kenya: Formal and Informal Institutions
- Zitierfähige Url:
- https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:bsz:15-qucosa2-1048308
- Datum der Einreichung
- 28.08.2025
- Datum der Verteidigung
- 24.02.2026
- Abstract (EN)
- Abstract: University spin-offs (USOs) are key mechanisms through which universities translate research into societal and economic impact. However, most USO research focuses on developed economies and emphasizes formal institutional factors such as policies, funding, and technology transfer structures. Limited attention has been given to informal institutions and researcher-centred motivations, particularly within African contexts. This study addresses this gap by examining how formal and informal institutional environments influence university spin-off creation in Kenya. Using a qualitative research design, in-depth interviews were conducted with academic researchers engaged in commercialization activities, researchers holding patents, and officers in charge of technology transfer structures. Thematic analysis identified five central factors influencing spin-off creation: researcher motivation (intrinsic, extrinsic, and institutional), informal institutions (social networks, cultural norms, and traditions), and formal institutions (technology transfer interactions, provision of resources, and availability of rules and regulations). Findings reveal that intrinsic, extrinsic, and institutional motivations-particularly those driven by societal impact—interact dynamically in shaping researchers’ decisions to establish university spin-offs. Informal institutions, including social networks and cultural norms (such as hierarchical belief and collectivism systems), significantly influence entrepreneurial behaviour, while formal institutional structures such as intellectual property policies, technology transfer offices, laws, regulations, and resources remain important enabling mechanisms. The study contributes context-sensitive empirical evidence from Kenya and highlights the need for innovation policies that recognize both formal structures and embedded social dynamics in motivating and fostering academic entrepreneurship.
- Freie Schlagwörter (EN)
- University spin-offs, Technology transfer, formal institutions, informal institutions, motivation , universities, Kenya.
- Klassifikation (DDC)
- 330
- Den akademischen Grad verleihende / prüfende Institution
- Universität Leipzig, Leipzig
- Version / Begutachtungsstatus
- angenommene Version / Postprint / Autorenversion
- URN Qucosa
- urn:nbn:de:bsz:15-qucosa2-1048308
- Veröffentlichungsdatum Qucosa
- 27.05.2026
- Dokumenttyp
- Dissertation
- Sprache des Dokumentes
- Englisch
- Lizenz / Rechtehinweis
CC BY 4.0