As incubadoras de empresas no contexto regional.

Abstract

This dissertation aims to discuss the impact of Business Incubators on the economic and social development of a region. Based on the literature review, we drafted an interview, using the qualitative methodology in an exploratory research. The interview was applied to the managers of the Business Incubators of the University of Santa Cruz do Sul (UNISC) and the University Center of Lajeado (UNIVATES), in the state of Rio Grande do Sul. We also interviewed all managers of the incubated enterprises, namely six in Santa Cruz do Sul and five in Lajeado. In order to obtain a reliable parameter for this comparative research, we interviewed in both regions 6 companies that started their activities in the last two years, but without support of the Incubators. Based on the analysis of the interviews, we concluded that the enterprises which started their activities with the support of Incubators already have their legal situation completely solved, while those without this support did not yet regularize their legal status. On the other hand, we perceived that the enterprises created outside the process of incubation have generally a better understanding of the competitive market rules than those arisen within the incubators.