4.5 University licencing, spin-outs amd start-ups

Universities are major agents of economic growth, producing basic science and new technologies, and interacting with business and Government. 

How does the UK perform?

Higher Education Institutions are making rapid progress in generating businesses from the UK science base, with many universities creating strong links with industry.  As a result more companies are being spun-out from universities. A survey by the Office of Science and Technology found that there were 199 spin-off firms in 1999 - 2000, compared to 338 over the previous 5 years.