Relationships at work in a networked business incubator: the case of H-Farm

This work adds to the previous literature on networked business incubators (NBIs) by exploring the complex network of relationships originated from a NBI. In particular, social ties (cooperative relations between individuals) and business ties (formal linkages between organizations) are investigated. The analytical framework developed here is empirically illustrated through a case study research on a leading Italian private NBI called H-Farm. Primary data collection was conducted during the period MayÐSeptember 2012 by means of face-to-face in-depth interviews and a survey. Data are elaborated through social network analysis tools. The results highlight the co-presence and interaction of social and business ties, which build up a vital environment nurturing an entrepreneurial ecosystem. Community-based relationships and an influential incubator management are crucial for sustaining incubatees in product and business development activities.