P.M. Kirwan

Supporting high-tech companies reaching the business platform: about the role of training, coaching and networking

This paper addresses the support structures in the regions surrounding two European Universities, the University of Twente (UT) in the Netherlands and the University of Linkoping in Sweden, with an established track record in spinning out high-tech companies. This paper details programmes and activities undertaken by the Universities in an effort to create and foster entrepreneurship. This paper details support mechanisms which can be utilised by high-tech companies to aid them in reaching the highest level for each of the cornerstones in the business platform, thus providing a stronger footing from which the company can grow. In a comparison of the support structures surrounding the two Universities three support mechanisms have been identified, namely: training, coaching and networking. In conclusion, we offer recommendations for using these support mechanisms to other regions/universities and we further explain the differences and similarities between the two universities.