A growing phenomenon, which testifies that it exists an Italy that grows despite the crisis. An Italy that creates added value, that enhances young talents and that finally creates a constructive synergy between the world of the private sector and that of public administration.
It is the phenomenon of spin-off companies public research, i.e. those segments of companies born as a vehicle for the market valorisation of scientific activities carried out in universities and public research bodies (EPR).
The survey, commissioned by the Ministry of Economic Development at Sant'Anna High School of Pisa, highlights a strong growth trend, albeit very recent. The companies surveyed are in fact 802, almost all born from 2000 onwards. The average size of these companies is 10 employees and 700 thousand euros in turnover, for a total turnover of 600 million euros and a total of 8.000 employees.
100 new spin-offs are registered every year, and most of these are born in the Northern (over 50%) and Central Regions: the most prolific institutes are the Milan and Turin Polytechnics and the universities of Bologna and Perugia.
The most represented sectors are evidently those with a high intensity of technological and scientific research, ie ITC and electronics, but in recent years the sectors dedicated to life sciences, energy and the environment have also grown.
The reference market is mainly located in Italy (almost 90% of turnover), and the trend for the period 2006-2008 shows a growth in average product revenues of 23,8%.
The interesting aspect is the growing presence among the founding members of external subjects with previous entrepreneurial experience, bearing witness to one progressive acquisition of trust by the private world in the concrete opportunities of spin-off companies. This is especially noticeable in the nanotechnology and life sciences sectors, where industrial, academic and financial partners are also increasing.
The phenomenon, therefore, beyond the figures, is fully vital, capable of doing business starting from the initial support of the EPR and creating professional opportunities for young people.
These companies, which we could define as researchers-entrepreneurs, are divided into 5 types:
1. tech gems: business oriented towards the market of ideas and technologies, with the aim of being attractive to larger companies and being acquired;
2. spin-offs accompanied by the original public research body: business related to the sale of high-tech products/services, often on global markets;
3. serial entrepreneurs: oriented towards the offer of know-how, with a high technological content;
4. pioneers: business aimed at enhancing the skills gained through the marketing of products on outlet markets;
5. market-ready spin-off: young companies characterized by the possession from the constitutive moment of the availability of a product to be placed on the market.
Ultimately, the picture that emerges from the analysis suggests that the motivations for accelerating the creation and development of spin-off companies should not be sought only in their ability to create highly skilled jobs, but above all in the role they play in transferring research results to productive sectors. Indeed, these businesses are a valid mediator between the research system and the market.
