Student spin-off intentions in malaysian higher educational institutions: Founders’ characteristics and university roles

• Main Authors: Abdul Rahman, Zahari, Puteri Fadzline, Muhamad Tamyez, Noor Azlinna, Azizan, Fariza, Hashim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Allied Business Academies 2018
• Subjects: L Education (General)
• Online Access: http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/21840/1/Student-spin-off-intentions-in-malaysian-higher-educational-institutions-1528-2651-21-S1-179.pdf; http://umpir.ump.edu.my/id/eprint/21840/; https://www.abacademies.org/articles/Student-spin-off-intentions-in-malaysian-higher-educational-institutions-1528-2651-21-S1-179.pdf

This study aims to examine the effects of founders’ characteristics and university roles on student spin-off intentions in Malaysian higher educational institutions. The study of student spin-offs has captured the attention of policymakers, educators and researchers because of its contribution to achieving a university’s vision and mission, regional economic growth, knowledge commercialization and employment generation. This study involved online survey research designed and informed by two research questions. A stratified sampling technique was applied and was able to obtain 369 samples from the founders of student spin-offs from eleven public universities in Malaysia. The data was analysed using partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM). The results indicate that four of the six paths in the conceptual model were significant and affirmed the direction proposed by this study. The need for achievement, innovativeness, a propensity for risk taking and self-efficacy were seen to be positively related to student spin-off intentions. However, two constructs, namely locus of control and university roles were not significant in relation to student spin-off intentions. This study will provide valuable insights for policymakers and universities enable them to reduce the number of unemployed graduates and create a viable entrepreneurial ecosystem within the universities. The majority of student spin-off studies have been conducted in developed countries so this study could offer different insights from previous studies because the setting is a developing country.