How an incubating network works? Review and evidence

Networking is one of the most important services provided by incubators which has significant impact on the performance of incubated firms. This case study inquires the complex and dynamic process of the formation, development, operation, and effect of such a networking service. Three kinds of actors - incubated firms, incubator and the third-party stakeholders, are involved in the network. The interaction and cooperation among the actors, the intensity and range of networking influence the performance of incubated firms from the aspects of resources acquisitions, relationship-building and entrepreneurship-nurturing. Some facts collected from a business incubator located in Shenzhen, China, provide supporting evidence.