Assessing the Performance of Business Incubators: Recent France Evidence

Abstract

Based on original data collected from a recently implemented national program on incubators, this paper provides a first attempt to assess the performance of business incubators in France following their launch in 1999 and covering the period 2000-2009. The paper runs with the general believe that the jury is still out in terms of the overall effectiveness of these venture investments (Mian, 2011). The findings indicate that ten years after their creation, business incubators in France generally evolve without much difficulty and are well embedded in the regional innovation system. The findings also reveal that business incubators continue to create innovative entrepreneurial firms, however, they may need to further increase the professionalism of their activities that exhibit some limits regarding selection, business support, networking and graduation.