Virtual Incubation of Research Spin-Offs

This paper explores the concept of ‘virtual incubation’. Based on the notion of the virtual organization the authors develop this concept and relate this to phases in the development of companies (from pre-start-up to growth). Next the different tasks a virtual incubator can fulfil are developed and illustrated with some examples of virtual incubators that are already operational in Europe. The final section of the paper draws conclusions regarding the commitment of stakeholders, the best focus for virtual incubation and the kind of services required. One interesting option is the combination of a non-virtual incubator with virtual elements.