The role of design in spin-off processes

Abstract
This paper investigates how design contributes to the development of entrepreneurial competencies at academic spin-off teams. Building on the entrepreneurial competency framework of Rasmussen et al. (2011), we analysed eight start-up teams composed of people with expertise in design, the natural sciences and business management. Our study shows that design supports the start-up process on both a conceptual and transformational level. By enhancing user research and by facilitating ideation processes and early testing of ideas, design helps in identifying business opportunities. Through its ability to further vision building and experience creation, design can strengthen championing competencies. Furthermore, design contributes to resource acquisition through the use of prototypes and mock-ups that make ideas more tangible. The propositions we derive from our study can serve to guide future research, while also carrying practical implications.