Universities of Applied Sciences as successful breeding-grounds for start-ups? Conditions for fostering start-ups in Switzerland

This study applies an explorative, multi-methodological approach to examine the extent to which Swiss universities of applied sciences offer favourable conditions for start-ups and spin-offs. The analysis shows that the promotion of start-up activities at most of these universities is still in the nascent stage.

At the strategic, structural and education-related levels, support for start-ups is primarily focussed on student activities, with far less attention given to science-based spin-off projects by researchers. Despite their practical orientation, if Swiss universities maintain this orientation, they are unlikely to succeed in asserting themselves as breeding grounds for start-ups, alongside the universities.