Mentorship programs like accelerators and incubators are relatively new frameworks to the ecosystem of startups and small businesses. They act as a temporary mentor to accelerate the lifecycle of a company through collaboration and mentorship. In the last few years, the European Union and the United States have taken an interest in fostering innovation within public policy and initiatives and have used mentorship programs as a tool to improve their economies. This study aims to investigate if European and American accelerators/incubators and general mentorship programs in both regions can be compared and if they serve companies in a similar fashion. This study will analyze federally and nationally the overall political framework of their respective regions. Then the research will analyze and compare the performance of European startups that go through mentorship programs to American startups and small businesses that go through similar programs to understand the economic impact being fostered in both regions. Research has shown that the two governments both value innovation and entrepreneurs but with differing priorities and agendas. The EU wants to retain and attract new companies while the U.S. wants to foster mentorship programs in minority groups and other underserved communities, as well as retaining and attracting new and innovative startups along with helping small businesses. A qualitative research approach was taken, interviewing numerous companies from within the EU and the U.S. which aims to contribute to the existing literature. By identifying the economic impact of accelerators, incubators and general mentorship programs in the European Union compared to the United States I conclude that the respective governments are generally meeting the entrepreneur’s needs. The research itself has brought to light themes likes the entrepreneur’s motivations and expectations of mentorship programs, the impact of Covid-19 to the mentorship experience, and overall satisfaction with mentored programs.

The economic impact of accelerators and incubators in Europe compared to USA.

PLESZ, AMY VAHIROA
2021/2022

Abstract

Mentorship programs like accelerators and incubators are relatively new frameworks to the ecosystem of startups and small businesses. They act as a temporary mentor to accelerate the lifecycle of a company through collaboration and mentorship. In the last few years, the European Union and the United States have taken an interest in fostering innovation within public policy and initiatives and have used mentorship programs as a tool to improve their economies. This study aims to investigate if European and American accelerators/incubators and general mentorship programs in both regions can be compared and if they serve companies in a similar fashion. This study will analyze federally and nationally the overall political framework of their respective regions. Then the research will analyze and compare the performance of European startups that go through mentorship programs to American startups and small businesses that go through similar programs to understand the economic impact being fostered in both regions. Research has shown that the two governments both value innovation and entrepreneurs but with differing priorities and agendas. The EU wants to retain and attract new companies while the U.S. wants to foster mentorship programs in minority groups and other underserved communities, as well as retaining and attracting new and innovative startups along with helping small businesses. A qualitative research approach was taken, interviewing numerous companies from within the EU and the U.S. which aims to contribute to the existing literature. By identifying the economic impact of accelerators, incubators and general mentorship programs in the European Union compared to the United States I conclude that the respective governments are generally meeting the entrepreneur’s needs. The research itself has brought to light themes likes the entrepreneur’s motivations and expectations of mentorship programs, the impact of Covid-19 to the mentorship experience, and overall satisfaction with mentored programs.
2021
The economic impact of accelerators and incubators in Europe compared to USA.
Accelerator
Incubator
Economic Impact
USA
Europe
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/11290