How network-based incubation helps start-up performance: a systematic review against the background of management theories

Chris P. Eveleens (), Frank J. Rijnsoever and Eva Niesten
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Chris P. Eveleens: Utrecht University
Frank J. Rijnsoever: Utrecht University

The Journal of Technology Transfer, 2017, vol. 42, issue 3, No 11, 676-713

Abstract: Abstract The literature on how network-based incubation influences the performance of technology-based start-ups has recently grown considerably and provided valuable insights. However, at the same time this literature has become quite fragmented, inconsistently conceptualised, and theoretically underdeveloped. Therefore, this article uses three management theories to structure the literature, improve the theoretical underpinning and develop an agenda for further research. The management theories are the resource-based view, knowledge-based view, organisational learning, and social capital theory. We find that the network-based incubation literature has convincingly shown that network-based incubation provides start-ups with resources, capabilities, knowledge, learning and social capital. However, the influence of these intermediary benefits on start-up performance is ambiguous. There is a considerable opportunity to advance the network-based incubation literature with contemporary insights from management theories. We propose an agenda for further research on network-based incubation that leads to a fine-grained model of the mechanisms and impact of network-based incubation that goes beyond taken for granted assumptions about the positive impact of network-based incubation.

Keywords: Incubation; Entrepreneurs; Network; Performance; Resources; Social capital (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L26 M13 O31 O32 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (35)

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DOI: 10.1007/s10961-016-9510-7

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