Business models for accelerators

A structured literature review

Authors

  • Carlo Bagnoli Ca' Foscari University of Venice
  • Maurizio Massaro Ca' Foscari University of Venice
  • Daniel Ruzza Ca' Foscari University of Venice
  • Korinzia Toniolo Ca' Foscari University of Venice

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5278/ojs.jbm.v8i2.3032

Abstract

Purpose:This paper aims to provide a better understanding of accelerators’ phenomenon, developing a business model framework for these organizations. The proposed framework aims to offer helpful guidance for practitioners and policymakers, together with various research opportunities for scholars.

Design/Methodology/Approach:The study employs a structured literature review methodology, which guarantees the repeatability of the research and the validity of the outcomes. Additionally, to further test the results of our analysis, we interviewed ten practitioners from some accelerators located in Italy and Slovenia.

Findings:Findings show that the literature on accelerators is still fragmented and under-investigated. The presented framework for an accelerator business model provides insights about the activity and the role of such organizations. The study offers fruitful avenues for future research on accelerators’ business models.

Research limitations/implications:Given the fragmented nature and the novelty of the literature on the topic, there may be relevant papers and reports missing in our analysis. Further research should investigate the role of accelerators in the ecosystem they operate in and provide a clear and shared definition in collaboration with all stakeholders.

Practical implications:The presented framework provides practitioners with useful insights for understanding an accelerator activity and valuable recommendations for managing these organizations in the future.

Social implications:Since we consider society among the key stakeholders of an accelerator’s business model, this study provides significant insights about the social impact of accelerators in the ecosystem they operate in. Relevant implications may be useful especially for policymakers.

Originality/Value:The main contribution of this study is the extent analysis of a novel topic in the entrepreneurial literature, providing a clear and broad perspective of the phenomenon. Furthermore, this study provides relevant insights on the role of accelerators in academic research as well as for practitioners and policymakers.

Author Biographies

Carlo Bagnoli, Ca' Foscari University of Venice

Carlo Bagnoli is Associate Professor of Business Policy and Strategy at the Department of Management, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. He received a Ph.D. in Business Economics at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. He was visiting research fellow at the University of Florida. He is Scientific Director of the Innovarea Project funded by the Regional Italian Government. His research interests include knowledge management, competitive strategy, business model innovation. Carlo’s research work has been published in various outlets, including the Journal of Business Economics and Management, Industrial Management & Data System, Journal of Management and Governance and Journal of Intellectual Capital

Maurizio Massaro, Ca' Foscari University of Venice

Maurizio Massaro, Ph. D., is associate professor at Ca' Foscari University of Venice. Before joining academia, he was founder and CEO of multiple consultancy firms. He has been a visiting Professor at Florida Gulf Coast University and Leicester University. His research interests include knowledge management, intellectual capital, and research methods. In 2016 won the Emerald Literati Award for Excellence as Highly Commended paper in the Journal of Knowledge Management. His last book “Sustainable Development in the Developing World” got the endorsement of US ambassador Andrew Young who wrote the “to the reader” section.

Daniel Ruzza, Ca' Foscari University of Venice

Daniel is currently a research fellow at Ca’ Foscari Venice University in the Management Department. He received a M.Sc. in Accounting and Finance at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice.His research interests include business modelling, blockchain, and business model patterns.

Korinzia Toniolo, Ca' Foscari University of Venice

Korinzia is currently a research fellow at Ca’ Foscari Venice University in the Management Department. She received a M.Sc. in Economics and Management at Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Her research interests include business modelling, artificial intelligence, and blockchain.

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Published

13-07-2020