Fueling the Growth Engines: A Cross-Country Study on Business Accelerators’ Role in Startup Sustainability

Silviu Florin Rata, Rozalia Nistor, Alexandru Capatina (), Giuseppe Empoli, Violeta Maria Isai and Iuliana Oana Mihai
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Silviu Florin Rata: Business Administration Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800003 Galati, Romania
Rozalia Nistor: Business Administration Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800003 Galati, Romania
Alexandru Capatina: Business Administration Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800003 Galati, Romania
Giuseppe Empoli: Department of Economics, Management and Territory, University of Foggia, 71122 Foggia, Italy
Violeta Maria Isai: Business Administration Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800003 Galati, Romania
Iuliana Oana Mihai: Business Administration Department, “Dunarea de Jos” University of Galati, 800003 Galati, Romania

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 24, 1-21

Abstract: This study examines the role of business accelerators in fostering startup performance across diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems, focusing on Romania, the United States, and Italy. Using a cross-country comparative approach, this research investigates how accelerators influence grant utilization efficiency, financial management capabilities, sustainable business practices, and income growth and diversification. The findings reveal that accelerators significantly enhance startups’ financial resource management and revenue growth, with variations across the target countries. In Romania, accelerators address structural barriers and resource constraints, while in the United States, they drive sector-specific innovations within a mature ecosystem. Italy highlights a blend of traditional and emerging industries, with accelerators fostering sustainability initiatives and innovation. This study introduces sustainable business practices and financial management capabilities as mediating factors, developing existing theoretical models. Practical implications for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors are outlined, emphasizing personalized business accelerator strategies to address contextual challenges.

Keywords: business accelerators; entrepreneurial ecosystems; startup sustainability; cross-country analysis (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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