The Impact of University Research Centres on the Formation of Global Entrepreneurial Networks among European Cybersecurity Start-ups

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between university research centres in the field of cybersecurity and the establishment of global entrepreneurial networks and internationalisation opportunity recognition among cybersecurity start-ups. A mixed-method research design was used, including archival research and a survey for cybersecurity start-ups within Europe. The results suggested that university research centres had the potential to impact the establishment of global entrepreneurial networks and internationalisation opportunity recognition among start-ups. Particularly start-ups that were located within 50 km of or had employees who studied at the university research centre were impacted. These university research centres were found to support start-ups through networking, providing access to markets, advice, business partners, collaborations, customers, funding, support, and technology. The study also found that university research centres induced global entrepreneurial networks that had an impact on both internationalisation domains of research and deployment for start-ups. Start-ups that were over 2 years old and founded within 4 km of a university research centre particularly benefited from these networks. The study highlighted the importance of university research centres for cybersecurity start-ups and the need for further research on the factors that influence the establishment of global entrepreneurial networks also for other domains.