A Classification Approach to Typology of Academic Spin-off Companies

The purpose of this study is the typology of companies based on academic achievements and disambiguation of these companies using the existing literature in this field. In recent years، there has been increased emphasis on the commercialization of university research، in particular through the creation of spin-off companies. However، there is no homogeneity about the understanding of the concept of university (academic) spin-off companies. The current research identifies the scope and heterogeneity of the concept and its variants using the classification approach. This research is an applied research. Data collection method is qualitative and the library research method is used (secondary studies، meta-synthesis) and it is based on the information resources of academic innovation with the use of databases. In this study the data has been analyzed in 3 steps: full review of the research literature، summary of the articles، combining and final conclusion. In this article three key indicators، including; the role of the entrepreneur، the nature of the knowledge transferred and participation of foreign partners for the recognition of university spin-off companies are considered by reviewing the literature and offers four types of classification for the reproductive companies: independent، dependent، joint ventures، and sponsored.