Dissemination of CERN Technologies Through External Entrepreneurs

This study focuses on dissemination of innovations through external entrepreneurs. The innovations studied are developed at the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) and commercialized by entrepreneurs establishing spin-off companies on the outside of the Organization. The objective of this study is to provide knowledge to facilitate future external entrepreneurs to increase dissemination of CERN technologies. The research questions looks at the timeline from preparations for creating the spin-off company, until having a product for commercialization in the market. A qualitative cross case investigation was conducted to assess the experiences of four spin-off companies. A framework was created to structure the discussion by finding and categorizing impeding- and success factors seen from the entrepreneurs point of view. The findings where structured in three phases respectively, the time before starting the company, the beginning of the company and the final development before selling products. The findings in phase one points at clarifying the ownership of the technology, finding an application, evaluating the role of patents and suggest establishing an external commercial contact network. In phase two it is found great value of CERNs name and it is suggested to create a framework for identifying shared technical objectives for future R&D partnerships. In phase three it is suggested to distribute the fina ncial recuperation of the technology's value, accordingly to the financial strength of the company, it is also suggested to arrange a public event to create a stronger link between the research- and business world. This study identifies economical impact of technologies from fundamental research on society. Fundamental research is an important source of innovations and spin-off companies have shown to be an effective vehicle for technology dissemination. For future literature it is recommended to expand the research to involve inventors, investors and national institutes and legislations for acquiring a more holistic picture on facilitating external entrepreneurs.