Summer, N. (2017). The impact of network assets on incubated start-ups [Master Thesis, Technische Universität Wien; Wirtschaftsuniversität Wien]. reposiTUm. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12708/79484
start-ups; Vienna; Austria; local networks; business incubation; geographical proximity; territorial innovation; peer recognition; connection; group affiliation; information exchange; knowledge economy; intrinsic sources of motivation
en
Abstract:
With research findings on the nexus of incubee networking and start-up performance being heterogenous thus far, this master thesis¿ focus is put on (local) network assets provided or facilitated by business incubators in Vienna. The main goal of this preliminary assessment is to further illuminate why local ties remain important to entrepreneurs. A qualitative content analysis gives further evidence that permanent geographical proximity and face-to-face communication are indispensable for immature firms. Through group affiliation and peer recognition co-located founders can better assess and utilize their network connections hereby facilitating exchanges of enriched content. Business incubators can maximize their value through effective incubee alignment in terms of developmental stage and fields of activity. We conclude that co-location and business incubation is a valuable, albeit a complementary means to develop and grow a business network. Especially for advanced or highly specialized start-ups it is of utmost importance to identify incubation concepts that fit precisely with their respective needs. Vice versa, incubators can only specialize and offer due concepts with sufficient start-up demand for sophisticated business incubation in place.