Conditions for promoting an entrepreneurial behavior behind R&D Institutions – The case of Inesc Porto Institute

• Type: International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2005

Authors

Maria Alexandra Xavier (Author) FEUP; Aurora A C Teixeira (Author) FEUP

Conference International

ISPIM

Porto, 19 a 21 Junho de 2005

Scientific classification

FOS: Humanities > Other humanities

CORDIS: Humanities

Other information

Resumo (PT): The main objective of the present investigation is to evaluate the entrepreneurial attitude behind a community of R&D scientists. In particular, we aim at identifying the key (external and internal) factors that are likely to endorse entrepreneurial behaviors in this type of organizations. Thus, we intend to reveal the requisites for success in entrepreneurship (and intrapreneuship), and highlight the best practices to be adopted in the specific environment of R&D laboratories. The above-mentioned propositions are investigated following a combination of survey and case study methodologies. Focusing on one of the major R&D laboratories – INESC Porto – associated to the Engineering School of Porto University, in the North Region of Portugal, a survey to all of its researchers (180) is conducted in order to identify the need of fostering an entrepreneurial spirit amongst scientists and the eventual actions put forward by INESC-Porto to promote a change of culture regarding its technology transfer policies. The findings of the present study are likely to critically impact on universities and R&D Institutions strategic management, and provide a useful guide for organizations managers concerning entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial academic process and attitudes.

Abstract (EN): Entrepreneurship is increasingly being recognized as an important area of economic development. Organizations of all sizes, and in all sectors, are requiring people wanting to create and develop economic value by turning ideas into competitive business activities, by blending risk-taking, creativity with sound management, within a new or an existing organization. Entrepreneurship awareness of European researchers associated with academic R&D institutions seems to be higher than that of European citizens in general. R&D institutions have an important role on the development of new ideas and knowledge; they also need a strong capacity to transform those assets into value. Institutional culture and individuals behaviours tend to be key factors related to this process. The main objective of the present investigation is to identify, based on case studies and international literature research, good management practices implemented in R&D institutions in order to foster an entrepreneurship culture behind communities of researchers in Portugal.

Language: Portuguese

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific