Startup ecosystems: the level of maturity of Russian and foreign universities

This study by SBS Consulting aims to assess the maturity level of startup ecosystems in Russian universities and universities abroad. The analysis is based on a comparison of various elements of startup ecosystems, such as introduction to entrepreneurship programmes, training and support for startups, and finding investments for scale-up. The study also examines examples of successful ecosystems and their key elements.

Startup ecosystem elements

Developed countries, such as the USA, have implemented introduction to entrepreneurship programmes and education tracks at the early stages of developing entrepreneurial skills in an individual. The startup ecosystem in a university can be presented by three groups of elements:

1. Introduction to entrepreneurship:
   

   — Idea support programmes

   
   

   — Grant programmes for entrepreneurs

   
   

   — Introductory and elective courses at undergraduate and graduate level

   
   
2. Training and support for start-ups
   

   — Product testing tools

   
   

   — Business training at all stages of startup creation

   
   

   — Access to angel investment

   
   
3. Finding investments for scale-up:
   

   — Corporate partnerships

   
   

   — Access to large funds

   
   

   — Acceleration programmes

   
   

Maturity assessment criteria

The following criteria are used to assess the maturity level of startup ecosystems:

1. Introduction to entrepreneurship:
   

   — Availability of idea support programmes

   
   

   — Grant amounts

   
   

   — The scope of topics covered in introductory courses

   
   

   — Courses and minors to choose from at the bachelor's and master's level

   
   
2. Training and support for start-ups:
   

   — Product testing tools

   
   

   — Business training at all stages of startup creation

   
   

   — Access to angel investment

   
   

   — Minimum investment amount

   
   
3. Finding investments for scale-up:
   

   — Corporate partnerships

   
   

   — Access to large funds

   
   

   — Acceleration programmes

   
   

   — Alumni-founded startups

   
   

Assessing the maturity of startup ecosystems

Universities abroad:

1. TU Berlin:
   

   — 334 startups, with a budget of RUB 1.64 mln

   
   

   — High maturity level in all elements of the startup ecosystem

   
   
2. RWTH Aachen University:
   

   — 266 startups, with a budget of RUB 1.36 mln

   
   

   — High maturity level in all elements of the startup ecosystem

   
   
3. TalTech:
   

   — 205 startups, with a budget of RUB 1.12 mln

   
   

   — High maturity level in all elements of the startup ecosystem

   
   

Russian universities:

1. MIPT (Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology):
   

   — 196 startups, with a budget of RUB 1.33 mln

   
   

   — Insufficient maturity level in all elements of the startup ecosystem

   
   
2. ITMO University (Saint Petersburg National Research University of Information Technologies, Mechanics and Optics):
   

   — 50 startups, with a budget of RUB 0.51 mln

   
   

   — Insufficient maturity level in all elements of the startup ecosystem

   
   
3. TPU (Tomsk Polytechnic University):
   

   — 39 startups, with a budget of RUB 0.36 mln

   
   

   — Insufficient maturity level in all elements of the startup ecosystem

   
   

Early stages of the startup ecosystem in the US

The US has implemented introduction to business and business training tracks at all stages of an individual's entrepreneurial skills development:

1. Early stage (pre-university):
   

   — Acceleration programmes for school students.

   
   

   — Continuous business education programmes.

   
   

   — Mentorship and career guidance programmes.

   
   
2. University stage:
   

   — Elective courses within the curriculum

   
   

   — General university courses

   
   

   — Courses in start-up incubators and accelerators

   
   
3. Post-degree stage:
   

   — Small business support programmes

   
   

   — Grant programmes for entrepreneurs

   
   

   — Technical support and training

   
   

   — Mentorship programmes

   
   

Conclusion

The study shows that Russian universities significantly lag behind their overseas counterparts in terms of startup ecosystem maturity. The biggest gap is in finding and attracting investments. To increase the maturity level, it is necessary to develop programmes to support ideas, provide access to product testing tools, create corporate partnerships and improve access to large funds.

Joint efforts of the government, universities and businesses can help create a favourable environment for the development of startups and innovations in Russia, which will improve its competitiveness at the international level.