Transforming Science into Business: Science-Business Roadmap for University-Based Scientific Entrepreneurship

Abstract

Scientific entrepreneurship has become a fundamental pillar for innovation and economic development, especially in countries seeking to strengthen their technological production. However, the journey for researchers to transform science into business still presents significant challenges, including a lack of knowledge about innovation processes, limited access to professional networks, insufficient information on accessing financial resources, and difficulties in structuring viable business models. This study, part of an ongoing postdoctoral research project, proposes the application of the Science-Business Roadmap, a tool designed to guide researchers through the scientific entrepreneurship journey. The framework structures the entrepreneurial process, from identifying market opportunities and challenges to securing financial resources, implementing open innovation, and scaling research-based businesses. The study builds upon insights from research published at the European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE) – Innovation and Entrepreneurship of Professors in Public Universities: Case Study in Brazil – which resulted from a doctoral thesis analyzing the experiences of successful entrepreneurial professors in Brazilian public universities. Based on these findings, this research presents the validation of the Science-Business Roadmap as a practical tool to support researchers in transitioning their research from academia to the market. Initially applied at the Federal University of Pernambuco (UFPE), the tool can be used by researchers from various fields of knowledge. Its implementation and validation include interviews, workshops, and user monitoring. Beyond providing a structured model to increase the success rate of entrepreneurial initiatives in public universities, this tool fosters innovative businesses, expanding the impact of academic research. Additionally, this tool plays a crucial role in training scientists and researchers to become successful entrepreneurs, connecting them with companies, investors, and other key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem. This approach aims not only to generate economic and technological impact but also to strengthen the culture of innovation and scientific entrepreneurship in Brazil and beyond, facilitating strategic partnerships and fostering an environment conducive to transforming science into innovative businesses and driving the growth of deep tech companies.