The Influence of the Structure of Social Networks on Academic Spin - Offs’ Entrepreneurial Orientation

Subject Areas :

Mostafa  Heidari Haratemeh ¹ (Assistant Professor, Department of Economics and Management, Naragh Branch, Islamic Azad University, Markazi, Iran)

Received: 2021-12-14 Accepted : 2022-03-08 Published : 2022-06-20

Keywords: شبکه های اجتماعی, Entrepreneurial Orientation, Social networks, جهت گیری کارآفرینی, : اسپین آف دانشگاهی, اندازه شبکه, فراوانی شبکه, Academic Spin – Offs, Network Size, Network Frequency,

Abstract :

 The purpose of this study was to investigate The Influence of the Structure of Social Networks on Academic Spin - Offs’ Entrepreneurial Orientation. And it focuses specifically on the size and frequency of three different types of social networks, including informal networks, industrial networks, and university support networks. The research method is causal and applied in terms of purpose. Two researcher-made questionnaires with 25 and 22 items, respectively, and supplementary sources such as annual reports prepared by incubators and technology parks were used to collect data. The statistical population of the research is the founders and managers of the university spin-offs established in the last decade, in which eleven ASOs were selected as a sample. In order to study the relationships between variables and test the hypotheses, the Multiple regression model was used. The results showed: a) Market networks and academic support networks have a positive effect on strengthening the entrepreneurial orientation of the university spin-off. b) The size and frequency of the academic support network has a positive and significant effect on the entrepreneurial orientation, but the size and frequency of informal networks have no effect. Finally, ASO management teams desperately need the presence of industry actors because such representatives can provide the resources, capabilities and knowledge needed for ASOs.