GründerRegio M - synergies and networking to foster knowledge-based spin-offs from higher education

This article tries to give some insight into the start-up support activities related to knowledge-based spin-offs from higher education institutions. The Region of Munich and the Capital of Bavaria are described in terms of its economic impact and importance. The regional entrepreneurship monitor study by Sternberg and Wagner, describe the entrepreneurial climate in Munich. Some recently changed legal aspect relevant for university spin-offs are discussed. To acquire some feeling for the numbers and types of spin-offs support institutions are dealing with, a study accompanying the German-wide EXIST network done by the ZEW Mannheim is discussed. Based on the work of the European network PANEL some of the best practices in start-up support implemented in Munich and recognized on a European scale are described. The article ends with policy recommendations derived from PANEL's expert reports.