HTSF Conference 2022: "The Path to Excellence in Knowledge-Based Entrepreneurship"

10-11 November 2022 | Münster

The High Technology Small Firms (HTSF) conference has a long history, and the Science-to-Business Marketing Research Centre (S2BMRC) is honoured to host the 27^th edition in Münster under the topic "The Path to Excellence in Knowledge-Based Entrepreneurship."

Thank you to our partners: Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (The Netherlands), Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences (The Netherlands), University of Twente (The Netherlands), Coventry University (UK), Institut Mines-Télécom Business School (France), REACH EUREGIO (Germany), University of Münster (Germany), and University of Groningen (The Netherlands).

The first HTSF conference day took place in cooperation with the Science-to-Start-Up-Convention (S2SC) of the REACH EUREGIO Excellence Start-Up Centre. The aim of this cooperation was to connect academics and start-ups in the field of entrepreneurship.

The HTSF Conference and the Science-to-Start-Up-Convention were ceremonially opened by their chairs, Acting-Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero (Acting Managing Director of the S2BMRC) and Prof. Dr. Tobias Brant (Professor for Public Sector Digitalization at the University of Münster).

During the opening ceremony, Mona Neubaur, Minister for Economy, Industry, Climate Protection, and Energy, and Deputy Minister President of North Rhine-Westphalia, sent a video message to the conference participants.

Carsten Schröder, Vice-President for Cooperation, Innovation, and Marketing of the FH Münster University of Applied Sciences and Prof. Dr. Johannes Wessels, Rector of Münster University, opened the event at the presidential level of the two Münster universities. This was followed by a keynote speech by Dr. Anke Caßing from High-Tech Gründerfonds (HTGF).

Afterwards, the first parallel sessions took place: the workshops "Edtech" and "High-Tech" powered by REACH EUREGIO, and the first HTSF academic track, "Impactful and Sustainable Entrepreneurship" hosted by S2BMRC team member Iulia Stroila. The following presentations were given:

• Michel Ehrenhard, University of Twente: "Loan Professional Meets Algorithmic Risk Advice: A Sentiment Analysis of Loan Evaluation Reports"
• Phillip Damwerth, FH Münster University of Applied Sciences: "Entrepreneurial Ecosystems in Contrast: An Integrative Framework on Types and their Salient Characteristics"
• Amy Abdou, VU Amsterdam: "Disruption Through Bricolage: Social Entrepreneurs in the Supplemental Education Market"

The second academic track, entitled "Technology-based Entrepreneurship", was presented by S2BMRC team member Judith Helmer, with the speakers:

• Ana Vanacker, Ruhr University Bochum: "Determining the Maturity Level of Technological Innovation Systems: The Case of Lignocellulosic Biorefineries within the Sustainability Transition"
• Burcu Kör, Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences: "Analyzing and Visualizing the Trends in Digital Transformation, Digitalization, and Digital Maturity"
• Marie Haikel-El-Sabeh, Institut Mines-Télécom Business School: "Factors of Multiple Fund Raisings for Start-ups in the Digital Finance Sector in Europe"

After productive workshops and academic tracks, the Conference proceeded with a panel discussion, "Building a Science2Start-up Culture", with the speakers:

• Marie Asano, European Circular Bioeconomy Fund
• Dr. Stefanie Bröring, University of Bochum
• Anke Caßing, Principal of the HTGF
• Christoph Seidenstücker, technology enthusiast and serial founder
• Dr. Michael Quante, Prorector for International Affairs and Transfer of Münster University

Young scientists were invited by the REACH EUREGIO to present their application-oriented research results, for which they are called for posters beforehand. The corresponding award ceremony then took place on the day of the event.

The first day of the conference was brought to a festive close with the S2SC Award. The REACH Science to Start-up Convention (S2SC) asked 6 start-ups for the unique opportunity to present their idea in front of an important jury in the start-up scene and had the chance to win up to 12,000 € for their start-up.

The second day started with a welcoming speech by the chair of the Conference, Acting-Prof. Dr. Sue Rossano-Rivero und two keynote speeches:

• "The Path to Excellence - technology.entrepreneurship.education" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rainer Harms from the University of Twente
• "The Future University and its Roles in Entrepreneurship" by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Todd Davey from the Institut Mines Télécom Business

The session ended with a vivid discussion about what the role of universities is now and should be in the future.

The next step was an academic track named "The Role of Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities I" hosted by S2BMRC team member Annika Wesbuer. The papers were presented by:

• Simon Ohlert, Ruhr University Bochum: "How Do Academic Entrepreneurs Recognize Opportunities in Converging Industries?"
• Vivian Peuker Steinhäuser, Ruhr University Bochum: "Entrepreneurship Education: Methods and Tools Used to Increase a Successful Academic Venture Formation"
• Burcu Kör, The Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences: "The Role of Problem Based Learning Approach on Students' Innovative Behavior and Entrepreneurial Orientation"
• Sneha Saha, VU University Amsterdam: "Academic Leadership in an Emerging Domain"

During the "Best Practice" session, the S2BMRC PhD candidates Habtamu Garomssa and Judith Helmer successfully presented the outcomes of two of our ERASMUS+ projects: Boundary Spanners and Digital Innovation.

After lunch, the conference participants discussed the Role of Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities. S2BMRC team member Maggie Chak presented this academic track. The papers were presented by:

• Medisa Fočić, Institut Mines-Télécom Business School: "Association of IP Policies with The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and Economic Growth in Selected HEis: An Empirical Exploration"
• Hans Frederik, VU University Amsterdam: "Institutional Entrepreneurs in Higher Professional Education"
• Fernando Muñoz López, INACAP CHILE: "Scoping INACAP Chile Entrepreneurship and Innovation Ecosystems, a Study Case"
• Syeda Nimra Batool, Ruhr University Bochum: "How Shared Leadership in Entrepreneurial Team influences the Entrepreneurial Passion?"

The academic committee awarded Judith Helmer from FH Münster University of Applied Science in the category of "Best Presentation Award 2022" and Syeda Nimra Batool from Ruhr University Bochum in the category of "Best Paper Award 2022."

This very productive day ended with a champagne reception and closing ceremony.

Our team is very grateful to all the participants for attending the HTSF Conference 2022, sharing their knowledge and ideas, and engaging in networking.