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Sustainability orientation in business Incubators: Empirical Evidence from France

Author

Listed:
  • Sofia Lamperti

    (INPG - Institut National Polytechnique de Grenoble, CERAG - Centre d'études et de recherches appliquées à la gestion - UGA - Université Grenoble Alpes)

  • Jean-Marie Courrent

    (Labex Entreprendre - UM - Université de Montpellier, MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UM2 - Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School)

  • Sylvie Sammut

    (MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UM1 - Université Montpellier 1 - UPVM - Université Paul-Valéry - Montpellier 3 - UM2 - Université Montpellier 2 - Sciences et Techniques - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - Groupe Sup de Co Montpellier (GSCM) - Montpellier Business School)

Abstract

A growing number of business incubation programs are showing interest in supporting sustainable entrepreneurship in response to pressing social and environmental challenges. However, while the need for a sustainability orientation is widely acknowledged, it remains unclear how and to what extent business incubators are translating this interest into concrete actions. The risk that the focus of business incubators on sustainability may remain largely symbolic-expressing a commitment without meaningful change-rather than substantive, with a real impact on their structures and programs, exists. Drawing on the distinction in institutional theory between symbolic and substantive actions, this study presents a comparative case analysis of three French business incubators to explore how they operationalize their missions to foster sustainable new ventures. The findings provide both research and practical insights on understanding and implementing sustainability orientation within business support structures.

Suggested Citation

  • Sofia Lamperti & Jean-Marie Courrent & Sylvie Sammut, 2025. "Sustainability orientation in business Incubators: Empirical Evidence from France," Post-Print hal-05101546, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05101546
    DOI: 10.1016/j.jbusres.2025.115377
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-05101546v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Autio, Erkko & Kenney, Martin & Mustar, Philippe & Siegel, Don & Wright, Mike, 2014. "Entrepreneurial innovation: The importance of context," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 43(7), pages 1097-1108.
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    3. Rudy Aernoudt, 2004. "Incubators: Tool for Entrepreneurship?," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 23(2), pages 127-135, September.
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