Entrepreneurial Self-Efficacy of Scientists: A qualitative study on ATTRACT Phase 2 R&D&I Ventures

We need to understand the antecedents of entrepreneurial self-efficacy (ESE) of actors in science and technology-based commercialisation when we want to foster the commercialisation of scientific innovations. Despite the plethora of research on ESE in general, research on antecedents of ESE of scientists is scarce. Yet, there is reason to believe that because scientists develop a scientific self-efficacy, the antecedents to scientists’ entrepreneurial self-efficacy differ from the ESE antecedents of other target groups. Therefore, we explored which ESE antecedents resonate with a unique cohort of scientists and how attributes such as cultural and institutional factors, firm capabilities, education, work experience, role models, and individual differences support the building of entrepreneurial competence. This study provides practical relevance to educators and science entrepreneurs, identifying a need for tailored education for science and technology-based entrepreneurship to foster the development of a dual self-efficacy that reflects scientific norms and commercialisation needs.