Knowledge conversion capability and networks as drivers of innovation in Academic Spin-Offs

Abstract This paper aims to analyze the relevance of the three dimensions of the knowledge conversion capability (KCC) for the innovation performance of academic spin-offs (ASOs) at two stages of evolution, as well as, how academic and industry networks contribute to the development of these capacities in each stage. Results obtained on a sample of 167 Spanish ASOs show that: 1) the relevance of the KCC capacities varies with the critical innovation events - technical vs commercialization - ASOs face in each stage; and 2) ASOs must modify their networks in order to access the KCC capacities needed in each stage.