Chapter 15. From university research to student-driven spin-off: the case of Biodata

This case is about the start-up process of a university-based spin-off called Biodata. The case follows how graduate student Emil and his peer students established a company that is based on long-term university research. The case illustrates the classical nature of entrepreneurship—new combinations of means of production - in the university context. Entrepreneurial routes and innovation processes are often described as linear and prescribed. However, in practice, start-up processes are often unpredictable, and therefore, constant iteration is required. The case illustrates that entrepreneurship is a contextual phenomenon. It is based on the resources and capabilities at hand. Even in the systemic university setting, the actual start-up process is mostly based on effectuation. The assignment is to analyse the start-up process from the perspectives of causation and effectuation. After going through the start-up process, students learn to recognize the specific features of university-based spin-offs in their own immediate environment. In addition to learning the multifaceted nature of entrepreneurship, this case can make students think about their own potential entrepreneurship.