The Hybrid Identities of Academic Entrepreneurs

Abstract

Academic Entrepreneurs continuously face identity paradoxes. Drawing on theories from role identity and entrepreneurial orientation literature, this study investigate how academic entrepreneurs manage their hybrid role identity in a mature entrepreneurial university environment. This study conducted an empirical investigation of 31 academic entrepreneurs in a single site case study based in a University in Ireland.

Theoretically, the study introduces new insights into the paradox of academic entrepreneurs and their role identity. The study considers the perceptions and understanding of academic entrepreneurship. It extends the knowledge base on role hybridisation and academic entrepreneurship. Hybridisation is explored through the lens of role salience and role centrality.

The study introduces new insights into the broadly encompassing title of `Academic Entrepreneur?. Three typologies of Academic Entrepreneur are developed, the `Resourceful? Academic Entrepreneur, the `Readymade? Academic Entrepreneur and the `Reluctant? Academic Entrepreneur. Additionally, it also enriches the extant literature on role identity and also has important implications for policymakers and universities supporting academic entrepreneurs.