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My thoughts on sciencepreneurship
Recently, I was interviewed by Young Entrepreneurs in Science and shared some thoughts about sciencepreneurship.
When I received the invitation for this interview, I took the time to prepare thoroughly. Many thoughts came into my mind, reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities that come with the journey of becoming a sciencepreneur.
In the sciencepreneurship game, there are two major stakeholders: the researcher and the academic system. Each plays a crucial role in determining the success and impact of scientific ventures.
For researchers, the journey to becoming a sciencepreneur involves significant interpersonal decisions, competencies, and skills. It’s not just about having groundbreaking research; it’s also about navigating life-changing career decisions, acquiring business acumen, and developing the resilience to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors.
Despite the potential within individual researchers, the academic system still faces challenges in supporting sciencepreneurship. While we have plenty of funding grant programs like EXIST-Forschungstransfer and EXIST-Gründerstipendium, the root of the change lies in appreciating and valuing transfer activities at universities.
In the interview, I offered several suggestions on how we can better support sciencepreneurs within the academic system. Recognizing tech transfer as a vital component of academic contributions and providing dedicated time for entrepreneurial efforts are essential steps. For instance, implementing an “entrepreneurship semester” could give researchers the focused time they need to develop their startup ideas without the pressures of their regular academic duties.
I invite you to read the full article published on the Young Entrepreneurs in Science homepage. In it, we delve deeper into these ideas and explore practical solutions to empower the next generation of science-driven innovators.
Read the full article here: https://youngentrepreneursinscience.com/2024/06/20/find-the-entrepreneurial-light/
