The Sources of Competitive Advantage in University Spin-Offs: a Case Study

Marco Greco; Michele Grimaldi; Laura Scarabotti; Massimiliano Maria Schiraldi

doi:10.4067/S0718-27242013000400013

Authors

Marco Greco Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio
Michele Grimaldi Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio
Laura Scarabotti Department of Enterprise Engineering, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome
Massimiliano Maria Schiraldi Department of Enterprise Engineering, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.4067/S0718-27242013000400013

Keywords:

University Spin-Off, Academic Spin-Off competitive advantage, analytic network process, value drivers, intellectual capital assets, operations management, strategic framework

Abstract

University Spin-Offs are incorporated to exploit the knowledge and skills achieved within Universities. Often, their competitive advantage is represented by specific know-how that may be hardly imitated by competitors. In this article we present an analysis of the intellectual capital assets owned by a University Spin-Off using a framework recently introduced in literature. The framework resorts to a series of structured interviews to key figures within the organization. The interviews are synthesized through the Analytic Network Process and the results are compared using graphical and cost/ benefit analyses. The implementation of the framework creates a useful panel for the planning of investments in intellectual capital assets in order to create value. Moreover, it may emphasize possible discrepancies among interviewees about the importance of each intellectual capital asset.

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Author Biographies

Marco Greco, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio

Marco Greco is Assistant Professor at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. Graduated with honors in Business Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, he gained the Ph.D. degree in Business and Economic Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome. His research interests cover three disciplines: negotiation models, electronic commerce, and strategic management.

Michele Grimaldi, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, University of Cassino and Southern Lazio

Michele Grimaldi is Assistant Professor at the University of Cassino and Southern Lazio. Graduated with honors in Business Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, he gained the Ph.D. degree in Business and Economic Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome. His main research interests covered two topics: knowledge management in inter-organizational partnerships and assessment of intangible assets.

Laura Scarabotti, Department of Enterprise Engineering, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome

Laura Scarabotti is a Ph.D. student at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome. Graduated with honors in Business Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, her main research interests covered three topics: operations management, logistics and supply chain management, and process management.

Massimiliano Maria Schiraldi, Department of Enterprise Engineering, “Tor Vergata” University of Rome

Massimiliano M. Schiraldi is Assistant Professor at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome. Graduated with honors in Business Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome, he gained the Ph.D. degree in Business and Economic Engineering at the “Tor Vergata” University of Rome. His main research interests covered three topics: operations management, logistics and supply chain management, and process management.

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