Characteristics and effectiveness of university spin‐off support programmes

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify different program models supporting the creation of spin‐offs at universities, analyzes the characteristics that differentiate them, and identifies the factors that determine their effectiveness. Design/methodology/approach The analysis was performed using data collected through a survey targeting the heads of spin‐off support programs at universities in the UK and Spain. The authors then applied factorial and cluster analysis techniques and a logistic regression analysis to the data to confirm the results. Findings The analysis identified three types of spin‐off support programs in these universities. Among these, the authors found one that appears to be the most effective model. The authors also found a certain “country effect” on the characteristics of the most effective model. Finally, the authors noted the importance the literature places on university R&D activity and the existence of a favorable environment for the performance of spin‐off programs. Research limitations/implications This research is limited by the use of number of spin‐offs and survival rate as performance indicators for support programs. Future research should consider the effective contributions to economic growth and the extent to which such effects are related to university‐level policies. Practical implications The typology of the spin‐off support programs identified here provides insight for recommendations to improve less‐effective models. Originality/value This study contributes to the understanding of the role of university policy measures in spin‐off support program effectiveness, and of how the environment influences these policies.