THE MULTI-DIMENSIONAL NATURE OF UNIVERSITY INCUBATORS: CAPABILITY/RESOURCE EMPHASIS PHASES

Abstract

Recognizing the potential of institutional entrepreneurship, public universities are actively establishing university incubators. Literature on university entrepreneurship, university incubators, and entrepreneurship education allows us to develop a conceptual framework, identifying the multi-dimensional nature of incubator tenant firm development. Building on the precepts of resource based view theory, this paper posits the existence of dynamic element of incubator activity and relates it to the dynamic element of entrepreneurship education. Further, the role of entrepreneurship education and a community network are presented as instrumental in enabling effective collaborations. This framework contributes to the literature by highlighting the need for a multi-dimensional approach in research of incubator tenant firms. The framework also suggests effective university involvement with incubator tenant firms, as a potential university capability.