While the US has traditionally been successful in commercialising new technologies, Europe is confronted with an increasing dependency upon fast developing technologies like biotechnology or ICT, despite having some of the best universities in the world. This book will explore the key attributes of commercialising academic knowledge, focusing on spin-offs.

Bringing together the visions and best practices used by leading academics and professionals across Europe, Sven H. De Cleyn and Gunter Festel offer new and practical insights on technology transfer in an attempt to resolve the European Paradox. Innovative contributions provide new insights into the special approaches used by European institutes when it comes to fostering and supporting technology transfer activities and the creation of new academic spin-off ventures. This book illustrates the tools they have developed via compelling examples of successful corporate alliances with academic institutes and public research organisations.

Practical and insightful, this book will appeal to researchers, policy-makers and educators interested in technology transfer and high-tech entrepreneurship. Investors will also gain from a greater understanding of the benefits of academic spin-offs and technology transfer offices will find a wealth of information to help improve operations for their creation.

Contributors include: J. Bauer, M. Brandkamp, M. Cantamessa, S.H. De Cleyn, G. Festel, F.K. Fink, F. Gielen, V.A. Gilsing, M.L. Justesen, M. Keckl, M. Klofsten, F. Kirschenhofer, J. Kratzer, T. Lambertus, H. Lebret, E. Lundmar, U. Mahr, K.V. Moltzen, M. Mrozewski, I.M.M.J. Reymen, A.G.L. Romme, B. Schmalfuss, H. Schönenberger, R.V. Basaiawmoit, E. van Burg, A. von Matuschka