Benchmarking of business incubators

Abstract

Purpose

Despite of the relevance of incubators, science and technology parks on technology diffusion, few studies have compared different systems of innovation to identify the main factors affecting their capability to support spin-offs. Although research on incubators has received increased attention in recent years, few studies have been focused on the main factors affecting their underdevelopment in some developed economies. The purpose of this paper is to fill this gap in the literature by analysing the Italian system of innovation through a comparative analysis with other developed economies.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper proposes a comparative analysis in order to evidence the main differences between systems of innovation. Based on these differences, it aims to analyse the main factors characterizing the Italian system of innovation.

Findings

This paper identifies the main factors that explain diversity among systems of innovation. It then presents a deep analysis of the Italian system.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the theoretical and practical debate on entrepreneurship and innovation systems.

Citation

Caiazza, R. (2014), "Benchmarking of business incubators", Benchmarking: An International Journal, Vol. 21 No. 6, pp. 1062-1069. https://doi.org/10.1108/BIJ-01-2013-0011