A Post Incubation Innovation Analysis: a comparative study at Incubation Business Development Center (CIDE)

Abstract

Companies have undergone technological transformations and, in order to remain competitive, need to adopt effective market strategies. The concept of business incubators emerged from the need to strengthen innovative ventures. This study analyzes the performance of two groups of companies: those that graduated and those that did not graduate from CIDE, between the years 2000 and 2020. The following variables were assessed: profitability, product innovation, workforce, and product attractiveness. The methodology used was descriptive and exploratory research, which involved the development of a questionnaire and interviews with the companies' managers. The selection criteria for the participating companies were those that had graduated from the business incubator at the Center for Business Development (CIDE) in the biocosmetics sector, with over four years of operation, resulting in a sample of 20 companies. The results indicate that graduated companies show satisfactory performance in various indicators, such as academic background, managerial capacity, and professional experience, when compared to companies that did not participate in the incubation. The latter face challenges in areas such as financing, participation in events, and academic qualifications.