“Being part of the [Roslin] Innovation Centre looks good for us, it builds our reputation, that’s really important as a startup…we’ve secured projects due to the close proximity to the Roslin Institute…The flexible, open plan space creates collaborative opportunities…in fact, we’re talking to two companies right now…These discussions wouldn’t have happened without the culture for entrepreneurship here at the [Roslin] Innovation Centre (Founder, startup venture).
The importance of science commercialisation at the university-industry boundary cannot be overstated; nascent scientific ventures help build sustainable university-centred entrepreneurial ecosystems (UCEEs),1 which can lead to socio-economic growth (e.g., improved health, job creation, sector growth, and policy benefits). The high cost and complex science commercialisation pathways, particularly in life sciences, has led universities to focus on the built environment to support science venturing at the university-industry boundary. In particular, some universities have invested in the construction of innovation centres to help drive science translational and venturing activities.
Research has demonstrated how university policies increase entrepreneurial activity and the commercialisation of university science.2 However, it takes more than university technology transfer policies to drive science commercialisation at the university-industry boundary. Without a focus on nurturing the built environment, including understanding how scientists and entrepreneurs dynamically interact with the built environment, UCEEs will struggle to evolve.
The high cost and complex science commercialisation pathways, particularly in life sciences, has led universities to
