Business incubator effectiveness and commercialization strategy: a thematic analysis

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of the business incubator and its impact on commercialization strategies based on incubatees’ aspirations in three business incubators in Indonesia. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative approach was used, which involved conducting semi-structured in-depth interviews on 14 startup owners who are tenants in 3 incubators in Indonesia. The data obtained were analyzed using a thematic analysis assisted with NVivo 12. Findings Business incubator effectiveness was found to be heavily dependent on incubatees’ satisfaction in their interactions with the incubators. Moreover, some patterns were formed from thematic analysis and used to produce three propositions. Research limitations/implications The study was conducted qualitatively using only 14 interviewees or incubatees from 3 business incubators in Indonesia. Moreover, a thematic analysis offers flexibility from basic to organizing and global themes, but, in this case, there may be a lack of deeper understanding, for example, in psychological viewpoints. Practical implications Business incubators in this study need to reevaluate their incubation process based on their incubatees’ aspirations. These have to be considered from the beginning of the process, particularly the innovation aspect. Meanwhile, policy implications were also discussed Social implications Policymakers have realized the importance of business incubators in enhancing Indonesia’s innovation and competitiveness, and this has made them encourage the establishment of some new business incubators. It is, however, important to note that most of the existing ones are simply “rubber stamp” and to improve their operations and performances, some recommendations were made. Originality/value Despite the potential importance of incubation in enhancing technopreneurship and increasing a nation’s competitiveness, little research has been conducted on incubators in Indonesia’s ability to fulfill such high expectations. This specifically means there is no information on the present and past perceptions of tenants or startups on the incubators’ performances.