US university-sponsored technology incubators: an overview of management, policies and performance

Abstract

Despite the increased worldwide interest in the university-sponsored technology incubator (USTI) as a mechanism for supporting the development of new technology-based firms (NTBFs), there is a dearth of empirical evidence on determinants of their best organization and management, and policy practices. This paper presents results from a national survey of more than 30 five-year and older American USTIs. The study focused on a sample comprising three state university-sponsored and three private university-sponsored facilities, generally viewed as being successful. The USTI practices and performance are explored using several key dimensions: organizational design, tenant performance review, funding sources, targeted technologies, strategic operational policies, services and their value-added component, and growth of the client firms. A comparative review of these dimensions reveals that there are no significant differences based on the type of sponsorship — state or private. It is concluded that, given the fuller utilization of university resources by the application of sound policies and business-management practices, the USTIs appear to provide an environment conducive to the development of NTBFs. Finally, it is recommended that universities must build their technology incubator programs by setting reasonable objectives and management policies that will encourage tangible results consistent with the new mission requirements of an entrepreneurial university.