Developing a Digital Business Incubator Model to Foster Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, and Academia–Industry Connections

The roles and positive impacts of business incubators, including virtual ones, in promoting entrepreneurship innovation multiple industries, their consequent contributions to fostering sustainable economic growth social development, have been highly advocated the extant literature. Nonetheless, several authors highlight urgent need further carry out research concerning these structures’ operation models by involving end users, since knowledge related this phenomenon remains scant. This study sets convey third phase a broader development project following design science methodology. Ultimately, contributes field proposing new incubator model with immediate practical applicability. was cocreated validated 23 managers startup founders from 15 incubation centers during focus group sessions organized into 8 dimensions concluded as fundamental future digital programs. Moreover, offers knowledgeable guidelines support academics, practitioners, organization managers, or other professionals interested building running incubators. main strengths weaknesses proposed are also highlighted, recommendations provided surpass expected challenging stages its implementation.