Technology-based business incubators: the impacts on resources of startups in Brazil

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to analyze the influence of technology-based business incubators (TBIs) on the resources of technology startups in Brazil. The authors identify which resources are offered and explore the importance of resources for TBIs and startups. The theoretical background is based on the resource-based view, the resource dependency theory and total factor productivity.Design/methodology/approachThe study is characterized by a descriptive approach. The method includes a multiple case study and a survey. For data collection, we conducted interviews with three managers from TBIs and distributed questionnaires to 30 startup founders. The content analysis supports the identification of the resources, while the quantitative approach explores the relationship between total factor productivity and resources.FindingsResources are the linkage between startups and TBIs, promoting the development and continuity of these organizations. Among the resources offered by TBIs, the most representative is physical resources, due to the early stage of startups. TBIs do not offer financial resources directly but facilitate access through networks with other actors.Research limitations/implicationsThe research implications depict the importance of resources as a link between TBIs and startups. The results highlight how TBIs play an important role in promoting entrepreneurship and innovation in the context of emerging economies such as Brazil.Originality/valueThis article performs a multi-theoretical analysis, addressing the perspectives concerning resources. No previous study has used this combination of perspectives to analyze the relationship between TBIs and startups in Brazil, filling the gap about this subject in emerging economies.