1. Power in the Commercialization Process
Adopting a Critical Sensemaking Approach to Academic Entrepreneurship
Moilanen, Montonen & ERIksson, 2017

2. Background
Universities are expected to take a more active part in society
A push for commercialization of research
New funding mechanisms based on commercialization opportunities
A key government project in Finland
The rise of academic entrepreneurship

3. The Case
A group of scientists in the process of commercializing their research
An experienced business advisor
Innovation based on new technology

4. The Mentor An experienced scientist, with prior business experience
A professor, whose experience was respected by the others
Felt that the research was not mature enough for a spin-off
”I get it from a business perspective, but us scientists want to be sure that the product is ready before we start marketing too much.”

5. The Scientist The leader of the research group
A career scientist with ambitions in academia
Uncomfortable the expectations of commercialization
Was wary of the repercussions for their academic career
”As a researcher, I felt that we can’t give promises about the product without 100 percent certainty.”

6. The CEO A young scientist
Interested in working in the cross-section of research and industry
Was keen on going forward with the commercialization
”Commercialization is missing from the university culture, even if it is apparent in it’s people or projects.”

7. Making sense of it all A conflict between business and research
Capitalizing on being first in the market / Maturing the research
Clash of power
The power of academics and power of business
Fallout with the business advisor
No common sense
The opportunity is lost / There is still time
Commercialization wound back down to research

8. Conclusions
Societal measures are successful in promoting academic entrepreneurship as an option, but support structures are lacking
Academic culture is not inherently conducive of entrepreneurial activity
The needs of commercialization clash with the scientist identity and academic career prospects
Underlying power structures can hinder commercialization efforts of academic entrepreneurs

9. Suggestions
To foster a culture of academic entrepreneurship, better support from universities, governments and institutions is required
The requirements of a business venture need to be taken into account when building a team of scientists in an academic entrepreneurship project
The power hierarchy of the academic profession needs to be considered carefully by scientists and business advisors in decision-making