Work

Incubators, accelerators and urban economic development

Year: 2021

Type: article

Abstract: We combine theory and evidence on incubator and accelerator programmes and their effects on urban economic development. These structured co-working programmes have grown rapidly. However, a rich descriptive literature reveals little about their impact on participants or surrounding urban areas. We situate programmes in a conceptual framework of co-location tools, theorise objectives and benefits and report findings from systematic, OECD-wide reviews of the evaluation literature. These evaluations provide evidence that accelerators and incubators raise participant employment, with accelerators also aiding access to finance. Ecosystem features such as university involvement and urban economic conditions also influence programme outcomes. However, evaluation evidence is less clear on detailed intervention design. We consider wider lessons and lay out an agenda for future research.

Source: Urban Studies

DOI: 10.1177/00420980211004209

Authors: Margarida Madaleno, Max Nathan, Henry Overman, Sevrin Waights

Institutions: London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London, German Institute for Economic Research

Language: English

Topic: Entrepreneurship Studies and Influences

Subfield: Management of Technology and Innovation

Field: Business, Management and Accounting

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,000