Which variables predict the internationalization type of academic spin-offs?

Area of Science:

• Business and Economics
• Innovation Management

Background:

• Internationalization of academic spin-offs is a critical but understudied area.
• Understanding the factors driving different internationalization types is essential for academic entrepreneurship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify key variables predicting the internationalization type of academic spin-offs.
• To analyze the relationship between firm characteristics and internationalization patterns.

Main Methods:

• Utilized logistic regression analysis on a sample of Spanish academic spin-offs.
• Employed four dependent variables for internationalization types and numerous independent variables.

Main Results:

• Early international market orientation and continuous pursuit of global opportunities predict faster and sustained internationalization.
• First-mover innovation and international collaborations (with institutions, competitors, customers, suppliers) positively influence internationalization.
• Predicting less active internationalization is more accurate than predicting 'born globals'.

Conclusions:

• Proactive international strategies and innovation are crucial for academic spin-off success.
• The timing of internationalization can be predicted with varying degrees of accuracy.
• Further research can refine predictive models for academic spin-off internationalization.