From researcher to founder: What really sparks an academic spin-off?

Across Europe, academics are increasingly launching spin-off companies based on research once confined to journals. Yet despite the wealth of ideas, few reach the market. Why? The challenge goes beyond funding or business skills. Drawing on data from over 2,000 European academics from 33 countries, this research explores how different University-Business Collaboration dimensions, combined with psychological and sociological factors shape spin-off creation. Findings show that personal confidence and institutional culture are critical drivers. Fostering academic entrepreneurship, therefore, requires supportive environments, positive attitudes toward collaboration, and human-centered strategies to translate knowledge into innovation.