Bridging the gap between academia and industry is critical for translating scientific discoveries into societal impact, yet this process is shaped as much by human experience as by institutional structures. This study explores the personal narratives of scientists, entrepreneurs, and leaders engaged in science commercialization to understand how innovation, identity, and leadership intersect in this complex landscape. Through in-depth qualitative interviews and thematic analysis, the research illuminates the motivations, challenges, and adaptive strategies individuals employ when navigating the transition from academic research to entrepreneurial ventures. Participants described tensions between scholarly values and market demands, the evolution of professional identity, and the role of mentorship and networks in fostering resilient leadership. The findings highlight the importance of storytelling and reflective practice in making sense of the academia-industry divide. This work contributes to a richer understanding of how human factors shape innovation ecosystems and offers insights for policy and practice aimed at supporting science-based entrepreneurship.

Academia-industry collaboration, science commercialization, innovation narratives

Berggren, E. (2017). Researchers as enablers of commercialization at an entrepreneurial university. Journal of Management Development, 36(2), 217–232.

Geuna, A., & Muscio, A. (2009). The governance of university knowledge transfer: A critical review of the literature. Minerva, 47, 93–114.

Gioia, D. (2021). A systematic methodology for doing qualitative research. The Journal of Applied Behavioral Science, 57(1), 20–29.

Hayter, C. S., Fischer, B., & Rasmussen, E. (2021). Becoming an academic entrepreneur: How scientists develop an entrepreneurial identity. Small Business Economics, 59, 1469–1487.

Jain, S., George, G., & Maltarich, M. (2009). Academics or entrepreneurs? Investigating role identity modification of university scientists involved in commercialization activity. Research Policy, 38(6), 922–935.

Lam, A. (2010). From ‘ivory tower traditionalists’ to ‘entrepreneurial scientists’? Academic scientists in fuzzy university—industry boundaries. Social Studies of Science, 40(2), 307–340.

Markman, G. D., Siegel, D. S., & Wright, M. (2008). Research and technology commercialization. Journal of Management Studies, 45(8), 1401–1423.

Nowotny, H., Scott, P., & Gibbons, M. (2003). Introduction: “Mode 2” revisited: The new production of knowledge. Minerva, 41(3), 179–194.

Perkmann, M., Tartari, V., McKelvey, M., Autio, E., Broström, A., D’Este, P., Fini, R., Geuna, A., Grimaldi, R., Hughes, A., Krabel, S., Kitson, M., Llerena, P., Lissoni, F., Salter, A., & Sobrero, M. (2013). Academic engagement and commercialisation: A review of the literature on university–industry relations. Research Policy, 42(2), 423–442.

Rasmussen, E., Moen, Ø., & Gulbrandsen, M. (2006). Initiatives to promote commercialization of university knowledge. Technovation, 26(4), 518–533.

Siegel, D. S., Waldman, D. A., Atwater, L. E., & Link, A. N. (2003). Commercial knowledge transfers from universities to firms: Improving the effectiveness of university–industry collaboration. The Journal of High Technology Management Research, 14(1), 111–133.