The Role of Incubators in the Internationalization Process of Incubated SMEs: A Perspective of International Cooperation

Abstract

This study aims to understand the role of incubators, involved in international cooperation networks, in the process of internationalization of incubated small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Thus, in exploratory research, the method of multiple case studies was used, that is, three incubators (cases) were studied, two in Portugal and one in England. Interviews and documentary analysis were used as data collection techniques. From content analysis, the results of this study show that the objectives of these incubators are the development of local entrepreneurship through innovative projects, differentiating between them, by the positive impact, linked to socio-environmental criteria. All the incubators studied reinforce entrepreneurial behaviour and create an environment of innovation and internationalization for their incubated SMEs. Based on the empirical evidence, the internationalization activities of SMEs are facilitated by incubators involved in international cooperation relations. Some implications for theory and practice in this area of research are also presented in this article.