The Search Behaviour of Academic Start-Ups: Experiential Learning and the Role of Consultancy and Manufacturing Activities

Abstract

In this chapter we show how consultancy activities are essential in the learning processes of academic start-ups. Drawing on opportunity identification literature, prior experience and experiential learning, we develop a better understanding of the contribution of consultancy activities to manufacturing-oriented academic spin-offs. Two cases are investigated which show that, often undervalued, consultancy activities were central to the learning process of academic spin-offs and directly contributed to the identification of the entrepreneurial opportunity. We conclude with a consideration of the theoretical and managerial implications.

Citation

Scholten, V., Hartmann, D. and Trott, P. (2013), "The Search Behaviour of Academic Start-Ups: Experiential Learning and the Role of Consultancy and Manufacturing Activities", Oakey, R., Groen, A., Cook, G. and Van Der Sijde, P. (Ed.) New Technology-Based Firms in the New Millennium (New Technology Based Firms in the New Millennium, Vol. 10), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 225-238. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1876-0228(2013)0000010015