Localised strategies for supporting incubation: Strategies arising from a case of rural enterprise development

Abstract

Purpose

To generate and test a coherent framework of incubation strategies and interventions that can be deployed to encourage enterprise development through new venture creation in local economies.

Design/methodology/approach

Postal questionnaire to new ventures, combined with ongoing engagement of and consultation with incubation practitioners and local economic development professionals.

Findings

Seven generic incubation strategies were identified and developed. Four focus on a premises‐driven approach to incubation, and three on a more process‐based approach. All seven strategies represent opportunities for tailored and hence targeted approaches to the development of incubators and incubation services.

Research limitations/implications

The study focused on one rural county in England. There is a need to test the strategies in other contexts, to determine their wider relevance.

Practical implications

The seven incubation strategies can be used to develop tailored approaches to incubation, within a comprehensive framework of incubation “options”. The authors suggest that a combination of approaches is developed as the basis for effective local incubation practice.

Originality/value

The paper provides a framework for developing incubation strategies that offers coherence and the opportunity for “bottom‐up” yet integrated approaches.

Citation

Atherton, A. and Hannon, P.D. (2006), "Localised strategies for supporting incubation: Strategies arising from a case of rural enterprise development", Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 13 No. 1, pp. 48-61. https://doi.org/10.1108/14626000610645306