What drives the effectiveness of Proof-of-Concept programmes?

This paper examines the mechanisms underlying the effectiveness of Proof of Concept programmes (PoCs) in advancing the technological maturity of research inventions. We developed a conceptual framework at the intersection of dynamic capabilities and academic entrepreneurship literature and conceptualized how four relevant mechanisms guide successful technology valorisation through PoCs at different levels: sensing and seizing capacities of research teams, characteristics of the external network specifically, timing of contact and geographical location and the nature of the research invention, distinguishing between science-based and engineering-based inventions. Using a sample of 94 PoC projects, we adopted a microfoundational perspective and applied fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis to understand whether and how different mechanisms and their interplay contribute to the effectiveness of PoC projects. Our analysis revealed that the combinations of these mechanisms depend on the nature of inventions. Our results contribute to the PoC literature and provide practical implications for policymakers and decision makers, TTOs and research teams.