Organizational and institutional change analysis: The case of Barcelona activa business incubator

Abstract

Introduction. Business incubators play a key role in the development of regional economies that drive job creation, technological development and innovation. However, there is an evident lack of studies that examine successful experiences in detail. Objective. To analyze organizational and institutional change in the Barcelona Activa incubator (BA), in Spain. Materials and methods. The research is qualitative and a case study strategy, by means of document analysis and interviews, was used. Results. BA assumes that the traditional model of incubator may be not enough to ensure the takeoff and the sustainability of the new businesses. Conclusions. Incubators could become an agent of local development that plays an important role in the development of the regional innovation system, assuming additional functions such as the promotion of digital culture, technology transfer, early internationalization of enterprises, the creation of venture capital funds and the management of human talent. In addition, it contributes to the design of public policies on innovation and business development.