The paradox of academic entrepreneurship : a study to understand context and motivations of academics that decide to become an entrepreneur for knowledge commercialization

Knowledge institutions, such as universities, that employ academics are playing an increasingly important role in society because of knowledge commercialization becoming a standard. However, at the moment, institutions have only limited control over their employees when it comes to this type of entrepreneurial activity. This study aims to determine which context and motivational factors arise around this topic, academic entrepreneurship, for technology start-ups in the Netherlands. The goal is to identify this valuable insight for both universities and the academics themselves to learn how to cope with the subject. The results support prior research on motivation for entrepreneurship and confirm the increasing role of entrepreneurial passion. In addition, the effect of doubt and uncertainty as a restraining factor has emerged. The institution is seen as a barrier that has an effect on this doubt and uncertainty. Therefore, among other things, a reconsideration of academic entrepreneurship policy is recommended, for which a checklist has been drawn up