Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10419/31808 
Year of Publication: 
2007
Series/Report no.: 
Papers on Economics and Evolution No. 0718
Publisher: 
Max Planck Institute of Economics, Jena
Abstract: 
Necessity spin-offs are organized by employees of incumbent firms to escape deteriorating job conditions. This paper proposes a conceptual model of the spin-off process. Necessity spin-offs are distinguished from opportunity spin-offs on the basis of their triggering events. An empirical analysis of German laser spin-offs traces differences in the performance and determinants of the two types of spin-offs. Necessity spin-offs are important to limit the devaluation of individual competences by the market process. They are particularly relevant in growth crises of innovative firms, and in the restructuring of economies with protected or state-owned companies.
Subjects: 
Spin-offs
necessity entrepreneurship
opportunity discovery
market process
laser industry
JEL: 
L25
L26
M13
Document Type: 
Working Paper

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