First published in 1998, this volume explored the recent growth in university-based commercial start-up companies as a means of applying research in industry and as an alternative method of funding. Blair and Hitchens melded the practical experiences of universities with more theoretical understandings of technology transfer to assess whether it is more effective for universities to make commercial use of their research themselves as opposed to licensing, whether this is an effective way to get research applied by industry and the economic implications of these decisions. Drawing on the experiences of 25 universities, of which 18 are in the UK and Ireland, and including a detailed study of the QUBIS Group from Queen's University of Belfast, the authors explore universities' deliberate commercial exploitation of their research through university spin-off companies, the potential stresses on staff who are simultaneously academics and entrepreneurs along with universities' attitudes to the practice and possible managerial strategies.

1. Introduction. 2. Technology & Innovation in Economic Development. 3. The Importance of New Technology-Based Firms. 4. R&D as an Indicator of Innovation. 5. University/Industry Collaboration. 6. University Companies. 7. Critical Issues. 8. Towards a Better Understanding of University Companies. 9. Characterisation of University Companies. 10. Questions and Issues to be Addressed. 11. Emerging Structures. 12. Emerging Structures. 13. Performance of University Companies. 14. Questionnaires to Small Non-University Firms. 16. Summary, Conclusions and Policy Implications.