The role of business incubators as a MSP in the development of start-up companies: a case of “Ingria”

Abstract

The main goal of this master thesis was to determine the problems with traditional business incubators and apply the concept of multi-sided platforms to develop strategies for business incubator, thus enhancing positive network effects that will benefit start-up companies. The traditional business incubator business model and the MSP concept were analyzed. Than a preliminary implication was made, stating that a business incubator that utilizes the MSP business model will be more effective in creating value for development of start-up companies inside incubator. Next, the preliminary MSP model of business incubator was designed and all particular features of business incubator as MSP determined: sides, components, created network effects and strategies. Afterwards, the empirical research was made where the relevant studies on Russian business incubator industry were analyzed and a case analysis of “Ingria” was made. The empirical research proved, that the network effects created by a business incubator as MSP would have better impact on the development of start-up companies. In the end, managerial implications for “Ingria” were made, that will help business incubator transform its current business model to the multi-sided business model.