A GUIDELINE FOR COLLABORATION between entrepreneur and researcher

Based on the key finding from Open Entrepreneurship’s pilot phase a guideline of 10 pieces of advice was generated to external entrepreneurs and researchers

As an external entrepreneur you should

  • align your expectations to the technology – you are co-developing a product, it is not a product yet
  • understand that time is different at a university – make sure you understand each other’s expectations
  • remember that you are not a CEO (yet) but part of a co-founding team
  • be aware that there are no guarantees for a company at the end – we are working with high tech
  • go get your hands dirty – be present in the labs
  • work to find the product-market fit
  • focus on creating the best team
  • be prepared to dedicate a lot of time (6 months) – for free
  • focus on the customer
  • enjoy the adventure!

As a researcher you should

  • focus on getting to a functional prototype, not on the development of the perfect product
  • understand that time is different at a university – make sure you understand each other’s expectations
  • not expect to become the CEO, but part of a co-founding team
  • be aware that there are no guarantees for a company at the end – we are working with high tech
  • let go of the control – be prepared to share and communicate
  • learn to focus on the market
  • focus on creating the best team
  • be prepared to dedicate a lot of time (6 months) – for free
  • communicate the solution – not the technology
  • enjoy the adventure!