Publication
What determines the mobility of university spinouts? An interview-based study of spinouts in the Midlands
Published: 1 October 2026
ERC Research Report
Associated Themes
-
Innovation -
Productivity and performance
This report examines the location decisions of university spinouts linked to Midlands universities, drawing on 21 in-depth interviews with founders, CEOs, directors and other senior decision-makers. The study was commissioned in response to evidence suggesting that the Midlands experiences a higher rate of spinout out-migration than many other UK regions. The interviews provide important insights into why spinouts relocate, how location decisions are made, and what policy interventions might help the Midlands retain more of its knowledge-intensive businesses over the long term.
For policymakers, the key message is that the Midlands appears well placed to retain many of its spinouts, but retention depends on supporting firms as they grow rather than simply encouraging them to remain geographically close to their founding university. The interviews suggest that priorities should include access to specialised facilities, affordable laboratory and office space, support for scale-up finance, stronger commercialisation support and continued investment in talent development. While most location decisions are influenced by founders, investors and business growth trajectories, targeted interventions that reduce the costs and risks of scaling could increase the likelihood that innovative firms choose to remain and expand within the Midlands over the long term.
Downloads
