Formation of a spin-out company can require a significant level of investment that
represents a risk to the university. A joint venture company in the form of a spin-in,
or an arrangement where the technology is licensed to a company, are alternatives.
A spin-in, where a company works with the university to develop their product or
service, can in some circumstances provide a more rapid return on investment than
licensing. Flexible arrangements are possible where the university agrees to offer
support in exchange for a shareholding or a share of profits or both. A spin-in can
also potentially achieve a better fit customer needs, as it is focussed towards the
customers' requirements