Mapping operational and social trends in Italian incubation: an empirical assessment of the national landscape

In a fast-paced and constantly changing world, incubators and accelerators play a pivotal role in sustaining startups and providing them with the necessary resources, services, and space to develop in a safe environment. These entities have evolved alongside their surrounding entrepreneurial ecosystems, consistently shaping their services to adapt to the industries in which they operate. This thesis explores the evolving function of incubators and accelerators as critical drivers of innovation and economic development within the specific Italian context. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of the national incubation landscape, drawing extensively from the annual report on incubators and accelerators that was drafted in collaboration with the Social Innovation Monitor (SIM). The research investigates data from a broad set of Italian entities, mapping their structural models, typologies, geographical distribution, and social behaviour. By integrating this empirical data with a foundational review of incubation history, classification typologies, and operational models, this study aims to delineate the current configuration of the Italian startup support landscape and contribute insights for understanding how these organizations can cultivate an entrepreneurial ecosystem that fosters both economic vitality and sustainable venture outcomes.