Knowledge Transfer in Virtual Business Incubators

Abstract

Purpose: Virtual business incubators (VBIs) have become a rising phenomenon, as the role of digitalization in the entrepreneurial context has been gaining increasing relevance. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic additionally underlines the importance of virtual solutions per se. To be effective, virtual business incubators must rely on effective knowledge transfer (KT). This paper aims to identify factors influencing knowledge transfer in virtual business incubators and to determine in which direction these factors influence KT. Methodology: For this purpose, a qualitative single case study is applied within an internationally acting virtual business incubator, using 12 semi-structured interviews with incubator management and staff, as well as incubatees. Findings: The findings suggest that precise communication, weak ties, heterogeneous contexts, and low engagement all influence knowledge transfer in virtual business incubators, each in a different way outlined in the paper. Research limitations/Implications: As a qualitative study, this research might be exposed to researcher bias and cultural bias. Originality/Value: This study extends the descriptive, conceptual VBI literature by adding the level of dynamic processes within the incubator. These new insights into the dynamic level enable precise intervention in the course of the KT, allowing challenges and strengths to be analyzed and understood theoretically and addressed and strengthened practically. This is indispensable to the successful operations of VBI processes.