An analysis on the interactions between actors of the innovation ecosystem and incubators

Abstract

This study underscores the significance of conducting research on innovation ecosystems, which are facilitated through the interaction between academia, industry, and government, commonly referred to as the "triple helix". Collaborative efforts among these stakeholders are vital for fostering coherent value propositions within the ecosystem. Additionally, the relevance of innovation habitats is emphasized, as they provide conducive environments for knowledge sharing and the emergence of new innovative companies. In this context, incubators play a crucial role in driving businesses during their early stages and facilitating knowledge sharing and support for entrepreneurship. However, despite its importance, there is still a lack of understanding regarding the interactions between actors in the innovation ecosystem and incubators, which is essential for the success of this innovation-driven environment. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the primary interactions between business incubators and innovation ecosystem actors. To this end, a systematic literature review of the last ten years was carried out, resulting in 359 studies. Our findings revealed that incubators connect with the actors of the innovation ecosystem, mainly through support, network, and fomentation connections, in addition to listing the contributions of incubators in their respective innovation ecosystems. The interactions between incubators and innovation ecosystems are crucial for both to develop, highlighting that incubators must not act isolatedly from their innovation ecosystem, thus facilitating knowledge-sharing among the various participants.