The impact of incubator network strategy on the entrepreneurial performance of start-ups: a resource bricolage perspective

Abstract

ABSTRACTIn the realm of entrepreneurship, incubators have emerged as indispensable facilitators, serving as crucial avenues for entrepreneurs to establish external network connections and secure access to vital resources. This study draws upon the principles of social network theory and employs hierarchical regression analysis. The primary focus of our investigation is to elucidate how incubators' network-building endeavors exert a substantial influence on the entrepreneurial performance of start-ups, from the perspective of resource bricolage. Our research examined a sample of 465 start-ups in China. The empirical findings that have emerged from our study reveal the positive impact of incubator network building on the entrepreneurial performance of start-ups. Importantly, this impact is not isolated but instead is partially mediated through the lens of resource bricolage, highlighting the innovative use of available resources. Furthermore, we shed light on the moderating role of network proactiveness, revealing its positive influence on the relationship between incubator network building and the resource bricolage employed by start-ups. This study significantly enriches the existing body of knowledge by advancing our comprehension of the intricate mechanisms governing the incubator start-ups dynamic. It contributes to a deeper understanding of how diverse incubator network mechanisms shape the accumulation of resources and capabilities within start-ups, shedding new light on the path to entrepreneurial success.KEYWORDS: Network strategyresource bricolagestart-ups AcknowledgmentsWe gratefully acknowledge the financial support from National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 72372026，71872042) and Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities (Project No. 2242023S20011).Disclosure statementNo potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).Additional informationFundingThis research is supported by two National Natural Scienece Foundation of China grants as following: National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project No. 72372026, 71872042); Fundamental Research Funds for Central Universities [Project No. 2242023S20011].