The Digital Value Propositions for Virtual Business Incubators

Abstract

Business incubators (BIs) are property-based initiatives that provide nascent entrepreneurs access to a mix of business support services and networking opportunities. These services are expected to foster the idea generation process from inception to commercialisation, with the hope they will later develop into self-sustaining, thriving ventures. Digital technologies have enabled BIs to extend their support services to include new digital services, and to expand their geographical coverage, giving rise to the virtual business incubator (VBI). This chapter provides a detailed review of the BI from its origin until the emergence of the VBI, highlighting their main characteristics, differences, and benefits. Furthermore, the author argues the view of the VBI as an extension of the BI is insufficient to fully understand its operations, value-added incubation services, and contribution to venture success. Therefore, a novel conceptual framework to define the VBI is proposed.