A General Framework for Classifying Spin-offs

Abstract

Spin-offs without resources or a strong relational structure to support their activity and those that lack developmental support because they are created outside of high-tech clusters tend to remain small and do not become world leaders. The purpose of this article is to introduce and develop a general framework for classifying spin-offs according to three main dimensions: internal, relational and external. In order to develop this framework we utilize a methodology that draws on the various theoretical perspectives to explicitly distinguish those conditions conducive to growth from those that inhibit growth. The article contributes to the theoretical debate on the diffusion of innovative activity and entrepreneurship by offering a novel and unique framework to classify spin-offs. This new and novel framework should provide a useful tool to practitioners and policy-makers in their efforts to generate high growth and high impact spin-offs and ultimately spur innovation and growth, as has been the case in entrepreneurial clusters such as Route 128 and Silicon Valley