Incubadoras de empresas e desenvolvimento do ecossistema de inovação: análise dos diferenciais da incubadora em rede do Instituto Federal do Espírito Santo

Abstract

The objective of this research is to analyze, explore and disseminate the incubation model and the development of start-up companies of the Network Incubator of the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo. The Neoschumpeterian theoretical framework and studies on innovation systems and ecosystems were used to support this work. The main concepts and actors of the innovation ecosystem were detailed, highlighting the business incubator in the current context. The national context of business incubators was exposed. Consequently, a spatial cut was made, delimited to the state of Espírito Santo, with a focus on the incubator of the Federal Institute of Espírito Santo (IFES) and its Incubator Centers of the Espírito Santo microregions. Data were collected through interviews and documentary research. Among the findings, it is highlighted that the differentials of this Incubator are: its performance as a pioneer in the introduction of the culture of innovation and development in the interior regions of the state; the wide range of areas of activity and support available by the incubator; and support for Geographical Indications as an instrument of regional development. Such factors are due to the arrangement of the network structure of the IFES Incubator, thus, its effective functioning in network, the main differential of the institution. It is hoped that this study can contribute to the economic literature about business incubators, and their relationship with economic development, fostering discussions about the different dispositions of incubators in support of innovative entrepreneurship, in addition to making the model of the Espírito Santo region stand out.