ASTP's National Associations Advisory Committee Releases Report with In-depth Insights into Spin-Off Practices

Following the publication of ASTP’s White Paper “Catalysing Change: Exploring Trends and Strategies to Enhance the Spin-off Process in Europe” last October, the National Associations Advisory Committee (NAAC) has published a new report that delves deeper into how spin-offs are supported across European public research organisations. The NAAC is one of ASTP’s governing bodies, bringing together 33 National Associations from 28 countries.

The report builds on the White Paper by incorporating insights from a survey conducted with 21 national association representatives, who shared institutional-level experiences and approaches to supporting spin-offs from public research organisations. It highlights current practices and areas where greater transparency, clearer expectations, and more tailored support structures can improve outcomes. 

Key findings include: 

• a strong preference for licensing over IP assignment in spin-off creation

• the widespread use of standard licensing terms, such as milestone payments and royalties

• increased adoption of backloaded deal structures to ease early-stage financial pressures

• the role of equity and, to a lesser extent, virtual shareholding models in structuring deals

• a call for clearer institutional guidelines and better communication of spin-off policies

   

The report also offers a set of guiding principles and a proposed roadmap to support institutions and stakeholders engaged in knowledge valorisation.