Contribution of technology incubators to the internationalization of incubated companies

Abstract

This work aims to verify how Brazilian technology incubators contribute to the internationalization of incubated companies from the point of view of their management. To meet this objective we developed a model that, in addition to supporting this study, could provide a basis for studies of internationalization in small technology-based companies and incubators and assist their management. The model was based on the literature on two relevant areas of work: first, a survey was carried out on the factors influencing the internationalization of enterprises, especially micro and small technology-based companies; second, aspects of the process of incubation of technology ventures were examined, as well as the actions and services provided by incubators. A descriptive study was conducted of 40 technology incubators in Brazil (50% of the total) which met the following criteria: be in effective operation for a period longer than two years, and have graduated at least one company. These questionnaires showed that 40% of the incubators in the sample have formal programs focused on the internationalization of incubation, and 60% have actually started the process of internationalization. The results showed a positive relationship between incubation and internationalization. The survey provided indications of actions and services that are effective for the internationalization of companies.