Virtual Hubs

Abstract

We have recently seen the emergence of new platforms that aim to provide remotely located entrepreneurs and startup companies with support analogous to that found within traditional incubation or acceleration spaces. This paper ofers an understanding of these 'virtual hubs', and the inherently socio-technical interactions that occur between their members. Our study analyzes a sample of existing virtual hubs in two stages. First, we contribute broader insight into the current landscape of virtual hubs by documenting and categorizing 25 hubs regarding their form, support ofered and a selection of further qualities. Second, we contribute detailed insight into the operation and experience of such hubs, from an analysis of 10 semi-structured interviews with organizers and participants of virtual hubs. We conclude by analyzing our indings in terms of relational aspects of non-virtual hubs from the literature and remediation theory, and propose opportunities for advancing the design of such platforms. CCS CONCEPTS • Human-centered computing → Empirical studies in HCI; Empirical studies in collaborative and social computing.

Developing a Digital Business Incubator Model to Foster Entrepreneurship, Business Growth, and Academia–Industry Connections

“…Additionally, the proposed framework is centered on empirical research with primary stakeholders to generate knowledge collectively, also considering the perspectives of incubated entrepreneurs and their daily-lived experiences; numerous academics called for in-depth qualitative studies incorporating these understandings [10,[59][60][61][62][63][64]. Previous virtual business incubator models were proposed by other researchers based essentially on case studies [27,28,37], literature review [33][34][35], questionnaires [30][31][32], website analysis, and semi-structured interviews [38].…”

“…Finally, Luik, Ng, and Hook [38] concluded as to several dimensions that creative virtual hubs operating in the United Kingdom should entail during incubation processes, concluding the following: participants' selection, virtual incubator business model, key qualities, program organization, the support offered, duration of support, digitalization strategies, and information and communication digital tools.…”

Towards a Unified Virtual Business Incubator Model: A Systematic Literature Review and Bibliometric Analysis

“…More recent research [40] conducted in the United Kingdom was aimed at understanding the structural form of creative virtual hubs, their diverse incubation processes, and at categorizing the range of support they offer to their tenants. The authors followed a twostage research process, which involved identifying and categorizing 25 virtual creative hubs based on the information provided on their websites and then conducting semi-structured interviews with 7 virtual hub organizers and 3 participants to explore their experiences in detail.…”

Framing the startup accelerator through assemblage theory: A case study of an intensive hub in Indonesia

“…The accelerator utilized its intensive approach to produce its model of supporting the startups. Other approaches, say, a startup incubator with a different mission, for example, to develop a business plan (Luik et al, 2019), would simply not share the same intensity. The accelerator model is characterized by its plethora of activities, tasks and events, both formal and informal, over the 12 weeks of the acceleration program (see Figure 1).…”

“…In following this “cycle,” a startup accelerator presents itself as a temporary arrangement, akin to a program that pops up once or twice a year, held through in-person interactions or through an online platform (Luik et al, 2019), and aimed at delivering set impact on the chosen startup companies. A startup accelerator is thus different from an incubator that typically has an open-ended duration and ad-hoc admission, provides rented space, and is designed for nascent ventures with sectors that need longer time to market (Bone et al, 2017; Clarysse et al, 2015; Cohen and Hochberg, 2014; Isabelle, 2013).…”