Critical Success Factors for Strengthening the Relationship Between Incubators and Innovation Ecosystems

The relationship between business incubators and innovation ecosystems is crucial for fostering entrepreneurship and driving economic and technological progress. This study conducted a systematic bibliographic search to identify the critical success factors that influence this relationship, analyzing the role of business incubators in ecosystem innovation. The growing necessity to enhance incubators' strategic and operational effectiveness in generating, disseminating, and applying knowledge underscores the significance of this research. This study also highlights best practices and challenges in knowledge management faced by incubators. Additionally, by identifying critical success factors, it provides valuable insights into strategies that can strengthen collaboration among incubators, startups, and other ecosystem stakeholders. From a socio-economic perspective, the research underscores the role of incubators as key enablers of innovation and regional development. It also demonstrates how effective knowledge management can improve the sustainability and scalability of incubatees ventures. The findings aim to offer actionable recommendations for incubator managers and policymakers, reinforcing the role of incubators as catalysts for dynamic and resilient innovation ecosystems.