Entrepreneurial Learning in a University Incubator - A single case study with VentureLab

Sammanfattning: This research has been conducted through a single case study by applying a qualitative research approach on how a university context shapes the way entrepreneurs learn in an incubator. The data was collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed according to Gioia, Corley and Hamilton (2012). Literature regarding Entrepreneurial Learning through an Experiential and Social Learning Theory lens has been reviewed. Moreover, Incubator theory was included in order to understand the relationship between the factors facilitating Entrepreneurial Learning. This study concludes, research must take the academic context into account when investigating the phenomenon of entrepreneurial learning inside university incubators. Therefore, this study extends incubator research by investigating its support service effect on entrepreneurial learning in the academic context. Internal network and coaching have been identified to contribute most to entrepreneurial learning of incubatees and can be effectively enhanced by contextual factors: Accessibility, Flexibility, Inclusiveness and Sense of Community. Considering the contextual factors allows incubator managers to better understand entrepreneurs’ learning needs and to design support services accordingly.