A researcher’s journey from lab to market: Examining how deep-tech entrepreneurship education can foster the success of researchers-turned-entrepreneurs.

Abstract

Deep tech innovations and spinoffs are recognised as crucial in addressing contemporary challenges and are a driver of economic growth. Successful spinoffs often begin life as breakthrough research in academia before the transition into commercial ventures and startups led by the very same researchers who first created the innovation. However, over 9 in 10 deep-tech ventures fail, creating questions regarding the ability of academic entrepreneurs, the barriers that they face in pursuing deep-tech entrepreneurship, and what steps can be taken to ensure the success of newly-created deep-tech spinoffs and startups.

This study thus investigates the individual attributes required for successful deep-tech entrepreneurial ventures and spinoffs from the perspective of academic researchers and entrepreneurs. In addition, the thesis examines the current state-of-the-art of entrepreneurship education. The findings suggest that deep-tech entrepreneurs from a research background often lack the necessary attributes, skillsets, competencies, and experiences to thrive in deep-tech. Further-more, the findings reveal potential shortcomings and areas of improvement to create entrepreneurial education that is relevant and applicable to deep-tech researchers-turned-entrepreneurs. Finally, the study proposes a deep-tech entrepreneurship education framework that spans the journey of a researcher from the start of their PhD education, into the stage of a life-long learner as an entrepreneur, imparting the pre-requisite attributes for success in deep-tech.