New insights into Scientists’ Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy within the ATTRACT ecosystem

Nowadays, the commercialization of scientific and technological innovations is crucial for economic and social advancement. However, one of the biggest challenges is transforming scientific discoveries into viable market products and services. A recent study published in the CERN IdeaSquare Journal of Experimental Innovation (CIJ) addresses this issue by exploring the antecedents of Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy (ESE) among scientists.

This concept, essential for fostering entrepreneurial spirit, has been investigated by the NEXTGEN-TECH-ED research team, focusing on participants from ATTRACT phase 2 R&D&I projects. They used mixed methods, combining quantitative and qualitative analyses, to identify which antecedents scientists draw on when they build ESE. In the quantitative phase, scientists’ ESE levels were assessed through self-evaluations of their entrepreneurial competencies, while in the qualitative phase, individual interviews were conducted to uncover the factors that influence the participants’ perceptions and experiences related to how their ESE has developed over the time of the project.

“There is reason to believe that because scientists develop a scientific self-efficacy, the antecedents to scientist’s entrepreneurial self-efficacy differs from the ESE antecedents of other target groups”, explains Alvira Fisher, PhD Candidate at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam.

One of the study’s most significant findings was that scientists do not consider entrepreneurial culture or performance-based expectations as critical factors in developing their ESE. Instead, the structure of work teams, vicarious learning through education and training, and the influence of mentors were identified as the most influential factors. Moreover, only a few scientists highlighted the importance of prior industry experience for their entrepreneurial confidence.

The research emphasizes the need for targeted educational programs that consider the specific preferences and needs of scientists in the entrepreneurial realm. The findings also indicate that experienced role models and vicarious learning in collaborative work environments are essential for developing Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy. Furthermore, fostering a dual self-efficacy that combines scientific and entrepreneurial competencies is key to bridging the gap between research and the market.

“Understanding the unique way scientists navigate utilising of scarce resources, organizational constraints and time pressure could provide insights into how effective science education, training and mentorship can practically assist in developing entrepreneurial intent”, concludes Fisher.

NEXTGEN-TECH-ED is one of the SocioEconomic Studies (SES) within the ATTRACT ecosystem, which aims to map the impact of science and tech entrepreneurship education on the development of entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems and science hubs. It is coordinated by the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam in partnership with the University of Twente.

For more information about the study or to access the full paper, please visit here.

Discover more about the NEXTGEN-TECH-ED project here.

This article was first published on first published on 29 May by ATTRACT.