Exploring relational dynamics in a New Zealand university spin-off

Abstract

Background: the depletion of public funding for academic research has spurred many universities to increasingly engage in research commercialisation. A promising way to fund research activities is by establishing a university spin-off. The development of such company comprises dynamic interactions between partners involved at different levels of the spin-off process. However, relational issues between partners are often to blame for the disbanding of most collaboration. This research examined the relational aspect of a university spin-off in New Zealand. Purpose: this study sought to identify challenges to the collaborative relationship in a university spin-off. It was a further purpose to investigate the key factors addressing these challenges in the relationship among its members. The outcomes of this research will assist in managing prospective collaborations in an effective and efficient manner. Theoretical foundation The literature review was based on research commercialisation, spin-offs and relationship management regarding the motives, barriers and factors encouraging or discouraging collaborations including actors coming from both academic and industrial contexts. Methodology: to address the research questions, a case study approach was chosen. Data was collected through different sources, namely in-situ observation, information publicly available and face-to-face interviews. To complete this research, the motives, barriers and key factors outlined in the literature were compared with data collected through the aforementioned sources. Outcomes: this research showed that strong level of trust and commitment in addition to an open and regular communication are key factors for successful collaborations. Moreover, these findings highlight that the relational aspect of collaboration is important to achieve successful collaborative relationships in the context of a university spin-off.