Preprint
Article

This version is not peer-reviewed.

Emergence of New University Business Incubators’(UBIs) Business Models (BMs): A Re-Definition, Typology and Future Research Agenda

Submitted:

22 January 2026

Posted:

23 January 2026

You are already at the latest version

Abstract
This study as part of a postdoctoral research takes a first look on evolving University Business Incubators’(UBIs) emerging business models based on business model transformation, adaptation and innovation. The study utilizes philosophical (essentialism and empiricism), psychological (cognitive schemas with analog and conceptual combination) and entrepreneurship perspectives in classifying emerging UBI models using case studies. The classified UBI business models via essentialism(typology) include: Core Business and Entrepreneurship BMs, Core R &D commercialization, regionally initiated BM, Industry focused BM and Opportunity Based UBI BMs. Cognitive Generation based on analogue reasoning and conceptual recombination of schemas are further applied to see new UBI BMs that can also emerge due to endogenous (cognitive reasons) evolving from cognitive strategic decisions. In addition to this, a conceptual combination of modeling UBIs as a ‘corporate business incubator located in a University with the host University as the parent company or Corporate Enterprise with attributes of corporate innovation, strategic renewal and venturing, while the UBI is involved in both Corporate(University) venturing and innovation is proposed. This study will take a look at the entities of each of these UBI business model (and also across different industries) and later map them with typical CBIs (Corporate Business Incubators) for value creation in further studies. The study is intended to give an insight into the different business models UBIs can adopt due to endogenous, exogenous and life-cycle transformation overtime.
Keywords: 
;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  ;  

Introduction

UBI business models have evolved from the typical rented space offerings to more complex service portfolio offerings which includes highly networked events, disruptive technology venturing, collaboration and partnerships with corporate organizations with engaging platforms for students’ and external entrepreneurs’ entrepreneurial cognitive behavior development based on their classified value propositions and offerings.
UBIs have been classified in past UBI studies based on services rendered(Grimaldi and Grandi, 2005a),value proposition and demand and supply, strategy and risks combinations (Bruneel et al., 2012a), capabilities(dynamic) and valuable service management provisioning(VSMP)(Lagos and Kutsikos, 2011; Taiwo, 2024c),multi-level analysis(Baraldi and Havenvid, 2016), evolving into different UBI forms (Community, dynamic and special), UBI dynamic capabilities, structural adaptation and network dynamics across different UBI forms and clusters(Taiwo, 2023, 2024a; Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025). These ensuing classifications have shown the transformation in UBIs service offerings and value propositions with the propensity of giving rise to diverse business models and new modes of value creation. In this vein, it is pertinent to understand the transformation of UBIs business models overtime and the emergence of new models based on the combinations of their capabilities, value creation entities, market offerings and collaborations. This study intends to bridge this gap by firstly analyzing the business model lifecycle, transformation, innovation and adaptation in general and typical UBIs cases, and secondly identifying and examining the ensuing UBI business models. This study intends giving an insight into probable new business models UBIs can engage in while extending their initial roles of transformative and development within their regional ecosystems and across corporate organizations. This is possible by using cognitive generation based on psychology studies of decision making and changing schemas combined with (intra)entrepreneurship and venturing perspectives.
In dissecting these initial propositions, two new models of transitions are proposed based on the UBI business model conceptualization from a cognitive generation and Corporate Entrepreneurship perspectives. The remaining sections of this article are structured as follows: the next sections discuss Business Model in general while highlighting the importance of business model concepts and their entities, using diverse units of analyses and (UBI) business model: triggers (exogenous and endogenous factors), business model innovation (based on activities changes and combinations), value proposition, value creation, delivery, captured, uncaptured), BM, innovation changes, adaptation, sustainability and BM in circular economy. A conceptual framework is developed to capture the entirety of the BM concept, after which this conceptual framework is used to further develop and classify UBI business models based on essentialism(typology).
Thereafter philosophical and psychological perspectives of business models are applied to UBIs using cognitive perspective of Business model innovation (analog reasoning and conceptual combination). The latter part of the study would expatiate on the emerging UBI business models and future research agenda in detail.

Conceptual Framework Development

UBIs are generally classified under model II of BI classification due to their service offerings, profitability and incubation process(Grimaldi and Grandi, 2005b). Different perspective of UBIs have emerged due to the evolving complex value chains, regional and global demands for entrepreneurial activities for cross industries transformation and UBIs also extending their transformative and developmental roles for continual regional development and engagement with stakeholders. Due to the complexities and intricacies in the UBI value creation overtime, there has been several views on UBIs business models components and entities. Bruneel et al.(2012a) examined UBIs based on value propositions while(Lagos and Kutsikos, 2011) investigated (U)BIs entity combinations of capabilities and VSMPs (value service management provisions) which when combined results in different forms of BIs such as special, community and dynamic UBIs based on strategies and risks levels. Further UBI classifications into different forms due to changing interactions resulting in continuous development of ‘’complex adaptive networks’’ which differs across industries. This have also necessitated the examination of UBI capabilities (substantial and dynamic) across clusters in different industries evolving into different capabilities within different UBI forms. This categorization includes Traditional UBIs(digital), Networked of UBIs, and UBIs in other industries such as Medtech, Biotech, Space, Fintech(Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025). While these classifications have viewed the entities of UBI Business models i.e. capabilities (Rasmussen and Borch, 2010; McAdam, Miller and McAdam, 2016a) value proposition and value capture(Bruneel et al., 2012b), UBI performance(Mian, 1994; Lee and Osteryoung, 2004; Al-Mubaraki and Busler, 2012), a holistic and composite view of (UBI) Business Models evolution, innovation adaptation, transformation and lifecycle overtime is still required across different industries(Fielt, 2013). Other entities of typical business models such as value co-creation, Business models sustainability, the emerging circular economy business models and impact in different contexts and different levels of analysis should be applied to UBI contexts and studies. In addition to this, how the evolving UBI models due to system activities changes, capabilities orchestration and business model innovation have resulted into new UBI classifications needs to be further examined. While these classifications have ensued into new value propositions and variations in different value chains, the propensity and possibilities for UBIs to evolve into new business models within their typical value chain is vital as well as the triggers of business model (innovation) changes in UBIs still require further grounding in theoretical concepts and frameworks. Research questions should be targeted towards how and why UBI BM change overtime and need for BM adaptation due to market dynamics and cognitive reasons. However still missing in UBI studies is the major question: What UBI Business Models exist and what triggers these BMs?
In this vein, this research introduces new business models via examination and classification of general business model accompanying theories and different levels of analysis (individual, units, network of actors, structural, cognitive and experimentation)(Zott and Amit, 2015; Nicola J. and Tina, 2018) To achieve this, an initial conceptual business model framework was developed to create a firm understanding for the UBI community and readers, thereafter the concept was used to analyze, develop and examine the different UBI BMs.
In achieving this conceptual framework, extant literatures were searched using University Business Incubation(tors) across different industries in Google Scholar, WoS, EBSCO for the project phases. For this phase, the qualitative case studies of UBIs were analyzed and selected based on related business model activities and systems. The resulting selected papers are shown in the appendix. For the ‘business model’ framework,’ business model’(innovation) were used as the keyword with relevant selected articles covering business model concepts, activities, reviews, innovation, adaptation, sustainability and circular economy. The selected BM articles are shown in the Appendix. Finally, ‘business model classification’ was used in another series of search which resulted in articles, covering business model classification, typology and taxonomy. Overall 42 articles(cases) were selected for the UBI case study and BM concepts and 25 for BM concepts and classification.

Business Model Concept and Classification

Business model (BM) is defined as the set of activities and systems that describes the firm’s offerings, value proposition, value creation, value capture (and or uncaptured) (Yang et al., 2017; Nicola J. and Tina, 2018, 2018). Business model describes how creating, delivering value and all connected links, actors and activities required to deliver value and satisfaction for the customer. BM evolves from the strategic objectives or goals of the firm e.g. why are we in business? what opportunities are around us that we should tap into? how do we identify and explore opportunities, setup structures, systems and actors along the value chain to deliver consistent and sustainable advantage for the firm using available assets, competencies (managerial), continuous learning(employees and continual capabilities orchestration and reconfiguration for value creation, value delivery and customer satisfaction. All these are embedded in BM antecedents represented as goals, templates, stakeholders and environmental constraints which could lead to creating novelty business models, increasing competitiveness and lock-in. The concept of BM while still seems fragmented across several value chains (Fielt, 2013; Lambert, 2015) still require holistic approach which encompasses BM innovation, adaptation, transformation across BM lifecycle due to both exogenous and endogenous factors and how changes are stirred in BMs via activities and systems modification, recombination and changes.
These changes are triggered by structural and cognitive factors based on powerful decision making, system thinking and industry search (Zott and Amit, 2015; Nicola J. and Tina, 2018). While most studies have included endogenous and exogenous factors such as major BM changes (rational positioning, evolutionary learning), BMs could also be triggered or changed via non-exogenous activities i.e. on cognitive influence (MARTINS, L., RINDOVA, and GREENBAUM, 2015; Daniela et al., 2019) called Schemas which are composed of attributes and slots with relationships in defining and elaborating on new business models. These schemas are used in investigating a source model attributes in relation to a target model based on attributes, activities linkages and systems in the target model. Analog reasoning and conceptual combination were identified as two major cognitive factors that could trigger BM Innovation or changes, their dynamic lifecycle and transformation overtime that includes, identification, specification and redefinition and recombination(Nicola J. and Tina, 2018; Daniela et al., 2019). It is essential to also apply this conceptual prognosis to UBI (University Business Incubation) to BMI (Business Model Innovation). The conceptual framework is shown in Figure 1.
Over the last three decades, UBIs BMs have evolved from the typical service (rent) based models of venturing to more complex service and venturing activities that incorporates venture selection (strategies and criteria), value proposition to entrepreneurs (external and students), stakeholders and regional ecosystem for expansion across several industrial sectors for (new) market entry (Fielt, 2013; Daniela et al., 2019) , flexible complex commercialization, IP Strategies, venture financing and capitalists involvements in startups to new models of business incubation (Accelerators) within some universities for more matured phase idea funding. These transformation and innovation in UBIs (initial) business models based on different structures and cognitive (schemas, analog reasoning and conceptual combination)(MARTINS, L., RINDOVA, and GREENBAUM, 2015; Daniela et al., 2019) require a conceptual and theoretical ground to identify the transition, evolution and sustainability of the evolving UBI models and integration of new concepts such as the circular economy in UBI study themes (Richardson, 2005; Nenonen and Storbacka, 2009).
Several intriguing questions are also left unanswered and these include:
(-) What UBI models have emerged and evolved overtime (last three decades)?
(-) What are the triggers (exogenous and endogenous factors) that have caused (and could cause) UBI business models innovation (BMI)?
(-) How do typical UBI BM(I) transform overtime across their lifecycle?
(-) What evolving structures, schemas (cognitive) can be identified within these UBI models and (-) How do these UBI BMs inter-relate with UBI identified typologies or taxonomies in co-creating values with other BIs entities such as CBIs (Corporate Business Incubators), TBIs (Technology Business Incubators) and Accelerators.
In view of this, this study as part of a larger research would expatiate on UBI classification based on their Business models, value co-creation using integrative review, meta-synthesis and or meta-analysis of related UBI cases with deeper insight into their value based Business Models (BMs) using extant literatures (case studies, empirical data) to investigate the different UBI BM(I) classifications, triggers for changes in BMs and value co-creation.

UBI Business Model(BM) Conceptual Development

Universities Business Incubators (UBI) and their models have evolved over the last three decades from the 1st generation of UBIs established primarily to provide rent spaces and basic UBI facilities or amenities to the 2nd and 3rd Generations of UBIs with more sophisticated management and entrepreneurship functions(Grimaldi and Grandi, 2005b; Bruneel et al., 2012a). Due to several factors such as global financial meltdown, internet boom, climate changes, regional tech renewal and adoption, advances in technologies with advent of new tech trends, UBIs and their startups are adapting to these changes via BM innovation. While these exogenous changes have impacted changes in UBI structural evolution, another school of thought postulated that endogenous factors also impact on BM changes i.e. cognitive and schemas (Lüdeke et al., 2018).
The causes and impact of these UBI evolution with their BMs cause for more theoretical and conceptual illustration that could capture all the elements within each phase of BM evolution while aggregating all the BMs components and elements. A holistic approach towards the BM classification has also been suggested. In this view, this section will build on the BM conceptual framework below while investigating different cases of UBIs taking cognizance of different RISs and EE, UBI forms’ (across several industrial sector and their clusters) and specific elements within their BMs. An initial typology classification is deduced in this article taking a holistic approach of UBI BMs into consideration (Fielt,2013; Lambert,2015) as shown in figures 1 and 4. While later stages of the research would involve taxonomy classifications via quantitative design with the use of clustering and machine learning. This research hopes to contribute to the literature on UBI Business Model conceptual thinking, design, innovation, adaptation sustainability and evolution into the circular economy.
In general, this research which is an extension of a doctoral research has facilitated the holistic view of UBI studies beyond the traditional UBIs type research (majorly Digitech startups) by extending cases of UBIs across industrial sectors and clusters such as Medtech, Biotech, Nanotech, Luxury and Fashion, Automobile, Space and Network UBIs (Taiwo, 2024c; Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025) and the use of sequential exploratory mixed methods which combines the benefits of both ‘interpretivism and positivism’ research philosophies. This has the benefits of extending criteria and search strategies across diverse disciplines (management, entrepreneurship, innovation, regional development, life science, space and luxury). Figure 2 and Figure 3 and Appendix A and B illustrate the procedures of selection, research design strand(s) and selected articles and cases.

Methodology

This study (i.e. Phase 5), combines multi and mixed method research methodologies. A multi-method is used at the initial stage and Sequential Exploratory Mixed Method at the final phase. In the first phase a Qualitative approach would be employed with descriptive and investigatory case study research, in the first phase segment (phase 5a i.e. this particular study), a qualitative research design is employed to facilitate the typology classification of UBI BMs using existing cases. This would aid the understanding of a new concept that has not been fully investigated or to unravel new themes and concept behind the UBI BM(Kathleen M., 1989; Yin, 2013). The aim of this stage includes a conceptual framework development, an archetype(typology) and an integrative review of UBI BMs that would be used for later stages of research (interviews and surveys). This stage is followed with a quantitative method (taxonomy classifications, clustering, machine learning, surveys) to further develop the finding from phase 5a. The final stage would involve the mixed method approach (Creswell, 1999; Collins, Onwuegbuzie and Jiao, 2007) for value co-creation between the ensued UBI typology in phase 5a. The next sections discuss in detail the ensuing UBI typologies and further research agenda.

UBI Business Model Typology: A First Look

Based on the conceptual framework from established BM studies as shown in Table 3, the resulting typology classifications are discussed below. Five typologies for UBI BM ensued based on the UBI BM antecedents (Goals, Templates, Stakeholders activities (influence, impact) and Environmental (Hedman, J. and Kalling, T., 2003; Mason and Spring, 2011), triggers for UBI BM implementation as well as BM components, innovation, adaptation and sustainability. Other concepts like UBI BMs in circular economy which are rarely discussed in UBI studies is added for future research agenda.
Based on the conceptual framework from established BM studies as shown in Table 3, the resulting typology classifications are discussed below. Five typologies for UBI BM ensued based on the UBI BM antecedents (Goals, Templates, Stakeholders activities (influence, impact) and Environmental Constraints (Wendy and Chris, 2008; George, and Bock, 2015; MARTINS, L., RINDOVA, and GREENBAUM, 2015) triggers for UBI BM implementation as well as BM components, innovation, adaptation and sustainability. Other concepts like UBI BMs in circular economy which are rarely discussed in UBI studies are added for future research agenda.

Discussions

Five distinguished BM typologies (as shown in Figure 4) based on their antecedents, triggers, value proposition, delivery and (co)creation exist. These include: UBI BMs with Core Business Management and Entrepreneurship functions, Core R & D Commercialization, Regionally Initiated, Industry Focused and Opportunity Based UBI BMs.
The Core Business and Management based UBI BMs are characterized with the provisioning of general BI facilities which (Lagos and Kutsikos, 2011; AL-Mubaraki and Busler, 2014) termed VSMPs Valuable Service Management Provisions. These are further divided into: management (business plans development, assessment and reviews, consulting (financial, professional),general business services( rental, amenities and other shared facilities) entrepreneurial (team development and management, entrepreneurial skills development, risk management via incubation), networking and relational(networking(mentors), incubator and incubatee relationship development, venturing(idea generation, incubation and commercialization) and innovation functions. This UBI BM typology are triggered via the need for the University to take up roles (developmental or transformational) within their ecosystem. This core UBI BM function are also triggered via the Venture Champion(s) who could be an Entrepreneurship or Business Professor or Group of Lecturers. Cases of this UBI BM model are typical of traditional UBIs whose major concentration are on basic or general incubation phases or design. These UBI BM is typically suited for Digital technology startups with no complexity in developing MVPs and can rollout and easily design systems or products within weeks or months. While there could be mix of other startups from other industries, majority of the startups are focused on software or apps development, macro engineering, electronics with no major regulation pruned or policies impact. Such UBI BM models value proposition and delivery are based on pre-incubation, incubation and post-incubation consultations and evaluations with selection strategies tailored to the UBI BMs value captured portfolio(Mian, 1994, 1997; Clarysse, Tartari and Salter, 2011; Nkosinathi and Robert, 2014; Klonaridis, 2020; Taiwo, 2024a; Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025). For these cases, value captured is based on the UBI’ operating models (revenue and economic models)(Nenonen and Storbacka, 2009; Yang et al., 2017). The ultimate goal of such UBIs with this BM type is continual startups spinoffs with or without equity (Taiwo,2024:2025; Clarysee,2013) as the case maybe. The typology breakdown is shown in Appendix Table A2.

Core R & D Commercialization UBI Models

These UBI BM Models are based on developing a R & D critical mass, research commercialization and tech transfer. This UBI BM involves deep research in science, engineering and IT. These are mostly backed up with R & D investment from the University or in alliance with firms (regional or national), lab facilities for research funding and an integrated University collaboration networks with innovation hubs to enhance the Firm-University relationships via joint research implementation and collaboration for tech transfer. This is especially seen in developed countries with high innovative indices (e.g. Scandinavian, US and other parts of Europe, South Korea, Japan). A typical case in this study was Automobile innovation partnership with Scandinavian Universities and their UBIs or Ventures (Chalmers, Lund Universities)(Gabriel, Sörvik, Anna and Matilda, 2019) and also Karolina Institute (KI) organizational structures(Baraldi, Ingemansson and Launberg, 2014; Baraldi and Havenvid, 2016). This UBI BM (co)create value with firms via: IP Strategies implementation which includes: licensing, transfers (to firms), agreement, patenting and incubation of research ideas with IP alliances and Safeguards development between the Firms, University and the UBI. Some ideas are spurn off directly from the University or UBI or passes through incubation phase of the UBI. With these agreement or mode of IP licensing the researcher in question (mostly PhD students) or lecturers have agreements with the University and UBI on IP (intellectual property) ownership(Walter, Auer and Ritter, 2006) and also with the license purchasing firm. In another mode it could be the incubation of a research idea based for a product development. Such ideas are incubated within the UBI based on the UBIs incubation phases (pre-incubation, incubation and commercialization, post-incubation).

Industry Focused UBI BMs:

These UBI BMs are characterized by extensive research yet integrated in cluster agglomerations. These are majorly special industry focused UBIs triggered based on both exogenous and endogenous factors such as Government (EU, National or Regional) initiated UBIs and regional cluster (Cooke, 2001a, 2001c; Taiwo, 2024a). Typical examples are found in the Life science ecosystem or clusters (Biotech, MedTech, Nanotech, Pharma) an also the Space Industry. Their major goal is based on a joint facilitation of projects with firms (MNCs and SMEs). Such Business Models are also enacted based on the heritage of the region or the city in scientific discoveries, healthcare services and the University heritage in academic research. Examples include the cases of Boston 128 route Biotech Cluster(Waxell and Malmberg, 2007; Wonglimpiyarat, 2010) a German Medtech Cluster Nuremberg- Erlangen (Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025). Some typical UBIs within these clusters have also changed their business models to focus only on a single segment in the value chain due to the huge investment required in expanding into a full-fledged life science value chain. A typical example is in Israel where a UBI focused only on the R &D segment of the value chain(Breznitz, O’Shea and Allen, 2008; Breznitz, 2013) and innovation is charged towards intensive research. Such value chain segment focus is also seen in some Space Based UBIs (ESABICs) BM with focus on the lower segment and data applications (e.g. Tele-Medicine, Satellite data analytics and weather observations) while they co-create with other UBIs or regional and academic partnerships to deliver value at the Upper segment of the Space value chain(Taiwo, 2024b). In co-creating and delivering exceptional value in the UBI BMs, a high-level of scientific capabilities (know-how) and labor mobility is highly essential. The formation of cluster in some UBI BMs also denotes a high relational alliance with firms. All the cases examined showed joint project collaborations, knowledge spillover from the University to firms and also investments in tangible and intangible resources in the University and entrepreneurial training for students via Internships with companies and firms(TORCH Consortium, 2022)
Due to the high regulations, standards and policies in this Industries, the value chain segments are different from typical UBIs. Adaptation is required at every stage in the value chain during research, innovation, product development, compliance, regional and national levels due to disruption in the market dynamics. Internal adaptation is also essential in making strategic decisions for Business Model innovation as seen in the case of the German Cluster (Taiwo, 2024c) where digitization enhanced innovation across the Cluster value chain. It is also pertinent to note that specific capabilities are required by each of these UBIs and their clusters as expatiated by (Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025) for life science based UBIs and their clusters. BMI (business model innovation) have also resulted based on strategic decision based on a major firm (MNC)(Pharmacia) movement away from a life science cluster (Uppsala, Sweden) resulting in the inward looking and cognitive decision making of the cluster executives to focus more on spinning off startups via relational alliance with their Universities and UBIs and also joint project and research collaborations with small firms (Waxell and Malmberg, 2007). This led to a major turning point in the Uppsala region quest for a Robust and sustainable life science ecosystem.

Regionally(Government) Initiated UBI BMs:

These UBI BMs are initiated based on regional, national or transnational (e.g. EU) to facilitate regional economic development and growth, combat recession and financial meltdown, enhance entrepreneurial activities in less favored regions, adapt to technology trends and disruptions via technology renewal and adoption. At inception of such BIs, the host University and UBIs are in firm partnerships on the role (transformational and developmental) the UBI plays in regional development. Such cases are seen with UCF (University College Florida) and Austin Tech Incubator(Wiggins and Gibson, 2003). In these cases, the Universities were in firm partnership with the Region in turning students’ innovative ideas to viable products in the market. In co-creating values in these cases, the regional community has an ample amount of investment in the UBI mostly without equity from the startups. Value is majorly captured by such UBI BMs based on the amount of startups spinoff from the incubator and the regional economic contribution e.g. in terms of job creation, entrepreneurial skills development and overall contribution to GDP development. Such UBI BMs could specialize in diverse industries (Mian, 1994) or focus on an industrial sector(Mason and Spring, 2011). It’s important to note that such BMs are subjected to high influence by stakeholders due to funding expectations from the Governments (being the major source of funding) and this has impact on the UBI BM. Such was discussed in McAdam, Miller and McAdam (2016b) where cases of influence and impact of UBI BMs affected the overall performance of a BI. However, UBIs are expected to innovate and adapt to such influence and impact via indirect or direct partnerships and collaboration with firms or changing their BM via strategic decision making as in the case above. The UBI firstly partnered with local firms for investment in their startups while also developing a new Virtual incubator to reduce costs. As such the UBI was able to create a fit based on their BM and their performance via changes in their economic and operating models (Michael, Minet and Jeffery, 2005; Nenonen and Storbacka, 2009). Further examples of these BMs could also be found in Network of UBIs. An example is the Nimela OUI Alliance case which was an Alliance formed between Universities and regions of Oulu (Finland, Tromso(Norway) and Lülea (Sweden)(Hintsala, Niemelä and Tervonen, 2017) initiated under the EU Horizon Project to enhance entrepreneurial activities in harsh climatic regions of Europe.

Opportunity Based UBIs BMs:

These BMs type are developed based on a need and demand in a region which opens up the opportunity for product development and easier market access. Such cases are prevalent in a scientific or engineering driven environment with potential tangible and intangible resources and experts’ availability required for such development. Cases of these include the Nanotech based products in healthcare development for Phoenix, Arizona(US) residents due to the aging population and also to tap into the photovoltaic(PV) solar market in the Arizona region (Rider W. and Arnim, 2013). This was substantiated with UBI funding and a highly Government controlled commercialization process. The UBI BMs are integrated with a phased or place based incubation model. In the case above, a 4-phased incubation model and innovation was deployed for the Nanotech based UBI with different portfolios in defense, healthcare, solar (cells and energy). A place–based BM, innovation and ecosystem was also employed in another case of Automobile Industry in the Scandinavian. This involved the aggregation of several ecosystem actors in the Automobile industry within a region (around Gothenburg, Sweden)(Gabriel, Sörvik, Anna and Matilda, 2019). Two Universities (Chalmers and Lund) and their UBIs played a major role in the ecosystem via facilitation in accelerating research and problem solving with industries and firms, while also engaging in the testing of AV (autonomous vehicles) in the test lab with the University. Students are also engaged with the firms via Internships and entrepreneurial training at the Industrial sites. For successful co-creation in such UBI BMs, relational, alliance, network capabilities (for partnership and coordination), tech know-how, innovative, financial(funding) (integrated) support system are essential. While there is also a dire need to continually adapt to the changing technological advancement and disruption due to the scientific and engineering dispositions of such UBIs and Government influence on the business models. The next section discusses UBI BM triggers for innovation, components, changes and adaptation, BMI Processes and the dynamic capabilities that facilitate the BM innovation.

UBI BM Triggers

It has been already established by literatures that UBI BM changes could be both exogenous and endogenous i.e. based on both external influence such as government or industry regulations, policies, market dynamics and disruptions via technologies and also internal process changes via the managers cognitive and strategic decision making abilities (Hedman, J. and Kalling, T., 2003; MARTINS, L., RINDOVA, and GREENBAUM, 2015; Gabriel, Sörvik, Anna and Matilda, 2019; Massa and Tucci, no date). Applying these concepts to UBI BMs based on the conceptual framework developed above, seven paths to BM triggers and innovation are identified. These include Global (climatic conditions, climate changes, financial meltdown, global tech disruption or evolution (e.g. IoT, AI), firm triggered disruption via innovation or a major firm departure from an ecosystem as seen in the case of Pharmacia which led to a growing and bustling startups ecosystem in Uppsala and the emergence of KI in the UBI scene(Waxell and Malmberg, 2007; Baraldi, Ingemansson and Launberg, 2014).
SIS (Supra IS e.g. EU), NIS and RIS) initiated regulations and policies as seen in the EU enacted policies for enhancing activities in low favorable regions with harsh climatic conditions and also ESA establishment of ESABICs (business incubation centers) across Europe to combat the disruption of a new market entrant (X, Tesla) and to continually stimulate Space Based entrepreneurship among students (Moranta and Donati, 2020; Eldering and Hulsink, 2021; Taiwo, 2024b) and also regionally facilitated goals towards development, innovation and economic diversification. Cluster and Industry specific triggers occur due to quest for Life science cluster development SMMEs failure (Klonaridis, 2020),funding difference in life science clusters compared to EU or US(Breznitz, 2013, 2013) in the case of Israel life science cluster which led to adaptation to focus on R & D segment of the value chain, Short Product Life Cycle(PLC) as experienced in the luxury and fashion industry (Tarek E and Mark, 2014), Sourcing in Manufacturing, Maintaining Industry dominance by large fintech firms(LFF) due to the disruptions of startups firms (Fintech organization dominance)(Harris, 2021). Other triggers include Cluster and Industry specific triggers (due to formal industry links that enhances University spinoffs, presence of VCs and innovative firms). Organizationally triggered BM changes occur with UBI in an organizational context and UBI operationally triggered changes such as stakeholder influence on UBI BM and power exertion, questionable UBI impact, internal UBI process and workflow changes, flexibility in incubation process, lack of time and expert during incubation processes. The UBI BM Triggers are illustrated in Appendix Table A3.

UBI BM Components:

The basic elements of a BM include value proposition, creation and co-creation, delivery, capture and uncaptured. UBI value proposition are based on their roles and goals (antecedent components) as discussed earlier. A breakdown of the major elements across the UBI BMs are shown in the appendix. The UBI BM includes entrepreneurship and professional services delivery components which include: mentoring provisions, business plans review, best service delivery, infra support and entrepreneurship education. For value (co)creation the essential components include: value co-creation with firms and actors in the ecosystem, regional value based co-creation, Value creation via Research institutes, University spinoff network structure, Public & Private Organization Manufacturing companies presence for Information exchange, IP (Intellectual Property) alliance with Universities for IP Safeguards, high value co-creation among actors in Clusters for Cluster competition (national level-biotech, medtech competitions)(Cooke, 2001b; Nelsen, 2005), towards achieving a high level EU status cluster and Joint research collaboration with foreign( local) students as seen in the case of Beijing and Shenzhen (China)(Kun and Martin, 2005). To achieve these co-creation activities, collaborative and networking efforts are required as part of the value delivery processes and these include: linkages with firm (for projects collaboration and support) and tech transfer facilitation between University and Industry, community and firm relationships with the UBI, access to networks, interactive events including Hackathons, students’ engagements to stimulate entrepreneurial mindset, labor and expert mobility, students-mentor linkages for entrepreneurship development, integrated University networks for collaboration via Innovation hubs development An essential factor in the BM is also knowledge and information exchange via continual learning through the role the UBI plays as knowledge mediator and boundary spanners(Kitagawa and Robertson, 2015) development of a knowledge based cluster( e.g. for Industry focused UBI BM) for both tacit and codified knowledge(Cooke, 2001b; Nelsen, 2005; Pillay and Uctu, 2013). Further value delivery channels by the UBI are also integrated in their business processes or routinely activities which includes: flexible or rigorous selection strategies and criteria, incubation strategy and phases (e.g. pre. Incubation, incubation, commercialization and post commercialization and or post incubation)(Rider W. and Armin, 2013) in the Phoenix, Arizona case, incubation support (entrepreneurial and traditional such as; consultancy services:-legal, accounting, administrative and infrastructural) and the operating model vis –a-vis ( economic and revenue models) i.e. how the UBI spend(cost) and make money and how they capture value via equity, stakes or royalties or based on the number of ventures formed or spinoff within the region(mostly for regional based UBI BM which are non-profit).

UBI BMI Processes:

Due to the triggers and adaptation required in UBI BMs, innovation becomes essential and new pathway might be created that could change the novelty imprint (Nicola J. and Tina, 2018) of existing BM templates to new ones. Based on this, UBI BM processes that foster innovation are identified and categorized into: Business and Network via startups business proposal refinement and evaluation, funding system upgrade, network enhancements for partnership introduction, commitment to regional development and establishment of a regional capital fund (in the case of insufficient funding for startups)(McAdam et al., 2006; Obaji, Olugu and Obiekwe, 2015; McAdam, Miller and McAdam, 2016a; Muathe and Otieno, 2022). Furthermore, strategic decision(making) as seen in the UBI business process management, strategic decision making for incubation model changes for adaptation, reducing the roles of non-biotech market actors in policy development as seen in the case of Cambridge Biotech, internal process modification for expansion, strategic cluster digitization (Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025)and exposure and adoption of new technologies also aid BM innovation processes. Another important UBI BM process is the impact of cognitive generation (Daniela et al., 2019, 2019; Massa and Tucci, no date) on value creation and co-creation via UBI Managers, venture champion or UBI staffs’ behavioral tendencies during decision making. These include: (personal) self-development for UBI success, ’just do it mentality’, self-belonging and awareness within a cluster (i.e. proud to be part of a cluster)(Waxell and Malmberg, 2007) and students’ entrepreneurs mindset attitude (e.g. ‘Brain block’ during entrepreneurial activities). It is worthy to note that these changes in BM that spurs innovation and transition into a new BM emanate from changes, recombination and modification of BM components which could be due to: need for interaction( horizontal and vertical to improve incubator–incubatee and stakeholders bonding), policies modification that suits researchers and commercialization efforts, change in students(incubatee) entrepreneurial behavior overtime or recombination leading to Accelerator formation with intakes of matured startups from the incubator to facilitate equity generation for the UBI , recombination leading to accelerator formation with intakes of matured startups from the incubator to facilitate equity generation for the UBI (Taiwo, 2024a; Taiwo and Provodnikova, 2025), workflow process changes or modification, continual BM modification and adaptation of processes e.g. extension of market entry to foreign firms, recombination for Trans-regional collaborative project in the upper segment of the space value chain, knowledge creation within clusters, inter-firm healthy competition giving rise to innovation, internal and external strategic collaboration for knowledge exchange, tech and cluster rejuvenation, early stage funding and high involvement of academia at the initialization phase( R&D), Recombination of operational processes to facilitate business model expansion for innovation, modification changes of organizational structures via changes to Holding firm(Baraldi, Ingemansson and Launberg, 2014; Baraldi and Havenvid, 2016)and modification of existing LFFs(Large Fintech Firms) structure and BMs and imbibing partnership with Startups to maintain dominance(Kun and Martin, 2005; Harris, 2021).

UBI Capabilities:

It’s essential to note that capabilities (dynamic) are required for BM innovation process along with collaborative actors within the ecosystem. In this vein capabilities were outlined across all the UBI BM cases that facilitate BMI processes and BM changes. These are divided into: Collaborative Capabilities (relational, alliance and network capabilities) which are essential in joint project facilitation for the Core R & D Commercialization BM or the Industry focused BMs. Networking Capabilities(NCs) ensures firm partnership collaborations, coordination, communication and marketing activities with industries during IP licensing negotiations, spinoff agreements and knowledge spillover and exchanges. NCs are also essential for Cluster collaboration as seen in many of the cases of the industry focused BMs and also Regionally Initiated UBI BMs. For the regionally initiated UBI BMs, Stakeholders’ impact, salience power and influence on resource or assets munificence are important as they can deeply affect the successful implementation of value creation and capture of the UBI BM as illustrated in the McAdam, Miller and McAdam (2016a) case. Apart from these, the essential capabilities required at Clusters operational levels must also be orchestrated during BM activities as illustrated in Taiwo and Provodnikova(2025) for industry focused UBI and their Clusters such as MedTech, Biotech and ESABICs dynamic Capabilities. The detailed breakdown is shown in figure 5 below.

Redefining New UBI BM Structures: A First Look and Proposition

Having elucidated on the UBI BMs, it is important to understand that new structures could emerge from the highlighted UBI BMs typologies defined as (core entrepreneurship and biz functions, core R &D, regionally initiated UBI BMs, Industry focused UBI BMs and Opportunity Based UBI BMs). To facilitate this new BMs refinement, a clue is taken from the cognitive reasoning perspective of business innovation triggers and corporate entrepreneurship perspectives (Becker and Gassmann, 2006a, 2006b; MARTINS, L., RINDOVA, and GREENBAUM, 2015) on how new BMs emerge via innovation and changes facilitated by endogenous and exogenous events or factors which could be based on rationalization, evolutionary or cognitive generation (analog reasoning and conceptual combination) based on ‘schemas’.
For this case we would consider schemas as embodied knowledge of concept, i.e. world view about a thing with its attributes(slots), subschemas(fillers) and relationships. For instance, we could define a basic Business Incubator schema with slots(attributes) like UBI, CBI, fillers and relationships like for profit and non-profit, Corporate organization and University Based and linkages with firms. We could also define a UBI schema with attributes(slots) Industry focused UBI BM and filler (or relationships) like co-facilitation of projects, cluster agglomeration, common with life science and fintech etc. A new schema for UBI BM change is proposed using analog reasoning whereby a schema component can be changed or modified and transferred with a new targeted schema resulting. For example, using our UBI BMs typologies we could define schema for each of the ensued typology and develop a concept in which a typical typology could transform or its attributes be transferred to another cognitive generation schema which is due to managers’ cognitive behavior via decision making and reasoning strategically to adapt to changes based on endogenous factors and not necessarily exogenous (policies, regulations, etc.), We would assume a case of a transition from one of the UBI BM typology( e.g. Core business and Entrepreneurship) to another schema which is a combination of one or more of the highlighted typology. For example, a UBI with a UBI BM of core entrepreneurship and business functions could transform into a UBI that combines both entrepreneurship and business functions with Core R & D and commercialization BMs due to increase in the value delivery portfolio of the University and UBI to focus on both business incubation function and technology transfer with IP licensing and patenting. In such cases, the UBI would expand its fillers from just business and entrepreneurship provision support to licensing office, IP policies and strategy creation together with the UBI. Such UBI BMs are seen majorly with high-tech based Life science environment such as Boston 128, ETH, UNIBE, LMU (Wonglimpiyarat, 2010). Another schema could result from a combination of attributes and fillers for three UBI BMs e.g. Core R & D function, Core Entrepreneurship and Business Function and also an Industry focused UBI BM. The author has encountered such UBI BM models in Europe (Switzerland and Germany) where some UBIs have all the three attributes and fillers of a core business and entrepreneurial function, Core R & D Commercialization and Industry focused UBIs. Such UBIs have diverse industry specialization for spinoffs in life science (MedTech, Biotech) Nano, Fintech Space, Digitech, Electronic, Cybersecurity etc.) in a single UBI and its clusters. Figure 5 is used to illustrate this.
Another interesting schema could be redefining a University and UBIs relationships as a Corporate Entrepreneurship as seen in the study of Public Universities professor in Public Universities professors in Sao Paulo Brazil (Sao Paulo)(Gustavo et al., 2021). In this case we could define a CBI schema with attributes such as corporate venturing formation of startups within the organization based on the resources available to individuals or group of individuals, strategic renewal (based on business process transformation or changes) and Innovation (open or disruptive) based on an organizational wide policies to encourage innovation focused or deep within a firm(Yang et al., 2017). Based on this, a University could be viewed from a CBI perspective(schema) with the (C)UBI attribute with fillers of spinning off ideas and startups, innovating with firms for project facilitation (now stands as the University CBI). In this concept, a schema(source) ‘University as a Corporate Entrepreneurship Organization’ is transferred and recombined into another target a UBI as a corporate innovation and intra and entrepreneurship target. With this conceptual combination schemas described above, an important question and research agenda is to investigate how UBIs can adjust to internal changes by transforming their related attributes( slots) and fillers with CBI( corporate business incubators’) properties and attributes also transferred to them as also suggested by Becker and Gassmann (2006a). The authors proposed that fast profit and leverage incubator type of CBIs characteristics could be transferred to a UBI due to focus on spinning off ventures and leveraging on R & D for IP licensing to firms. As a prognosis to this UBI BMI schema changes, a mathematical model (shown below) could be written based on the attributes, fillers and relationships and other factors within the analog reasoning context such as the capabilities required to effect changes with the firm and adaptive measures required for change management.
Figure 5. Illustration of schema transformation to another schema via analogue reasoning with mathematical assumptions.
Figure 5. Illustration of schema transformation to another schema via analogue reasoning with mathematical assumptions.
Preprints 160872 g006

Conclusions and Further Research Agenda

Having established the UI BM typologies and the value creation and co-creation components with adaptive and innovation processes, this research has provided the foundational framework for how UBI BMs should be viewed, however further research areas still exist within the UBI BM components. While UBI captured value and value creation might have been discussed, the concept of Uncaptured value i.e. value missed, in surplus or wasted(Wiggins and Gibson, 2003; Yang et al., 2017) in UBI is less discussed and how this fits into the circular economy Business model would be an important discuss moving forward. It would also be expedient to capture how UBI BMs change overtime based on a longitudinal study.
In addition to this, how UBI BMs antecedents (goals, mission, stakeholder activities and environmental constraints) discussed in this study enhance UBI Sustainability and Survivability could be investigated. It would also be novel to explore case studies of UBI BMs in Circular economy based startups e.g. Deeptech, clean energy. Further studies can also be conducted on UBI BMs typology while comparing their performances overtime based on sustainability and survivability of their startups. Other interesting topics would be investigating how UBI BMs have transformed their schemas into related BM typologies. Due to the emerging typologies, how ownership of the UBI and equity affect their performance could be studied. Another interesting emerging UBI BM typology for further research agenda is the UBI Ownership based BM which includes Non Profit, State and University owned with city support, Separate university entity with R&D, Regional & Government supported, Government and private funding Ownership BMs. How this new UBI BM typology impact UBIs’ performance would be expedient in further studies.
Overall, this study has paved way for the articulation of UBI BM via typology. Further studies would examine classification(empiricism) and machine learning applications. This study has contributed to BMs knowledge via taking a holistic overview and approach to understanding the rudiments of UBI BMs via the conceptual framework developed across different industrial sectors and UBI Clusters. Mathematical algorithms and machine learning models can also be developed as proposed to study the schema changes processes overtime and how the combination of attributes(slots) and relationships(fillers) are transformed into other cumulative attributes for a new schema.
This study and its subsequent investigations would serve as a template for UBIs and other BIs manager to understand the BM components that correlate to their establishments and roles within their ecosystem and cluster and how they can adapt to both exogenous and endogenous factors towards BM Innovation.

Appendix A

Table A1. Selected articles across different industrial sectors: Traditional UBI, Space(ESABIC), Biotech, MedTech, Luxury & Fashion, Nanotech, Networked of UBI and Automobile.
Table A1. Selected articles across different industrial sectors: Traditional UBI, Space(ESABIC), Biotech, MedTech, Luxury & Fashion, Nanotech, Networked of UBI and Automobile.
Article Description BM Antecedents Triggers
(Exo & Endogenous factors)
BMI type BM components_ BM Capabilities BM System of activities_ BMI Process_
UK_Univ. of Southampton Biz plan assessment
startups mgt. team development
founder_incubator_incubatee relationships
Govt. policies via HEIF
Uncertainties in high tech proposal commercialization
flexibility in incubation process
Incremental Mentoring provisions
Joint Biz plan & proposal review
Network capabilities Process modification
as needed
steady flow of Biz proposal to push
the commercialization agenda
professional service firms mentors supporting firm
Biz proposal refinement
fund access provision
training initiatives
VC availability
external support network
University Innovation System research commercialization
(Bwen Kwee Ng et al,2019)
R&D investment & commercialization
Stimulating entrepreneurship among graduates
IP commercialization
policy changes to favor researchers
and R &D
Networks to innovative firms & entrepreneurial communities
Incremental and modular: btw 2000 and 2016
government and UBI took steps in shaping knowledge sharing, value delivery & policies to favor R & D, researchers
IP Alliances with Universities,
Research Institutes & Corporations
Info know-how sharing
Tech transfer facilitation btw Universities & Industry
- collaborative development
btw UBI Director and startups
policies modification that suits Researchers
and commercialization efforts
R& D investment & commercialization
Stimulating entpreneurshsip among graduates
UCF Florida(USA) Regional _community partnerships
to provide high-growth enterprise
Regional economic diversification
lack of interactions between incubator
and clients(startups)
Modular Best practice in service delivery,
community relationships, facilities provisions
interactions fostering
Regional community part
nerships
Network Capabilities
need for interactions( horizontal and vertical) boards,
community, clients, mentors
UNTEC; Vale DioRos, BRAZIL
The University- firm interaction process in a UBI the case of Vale dio Ros, BRAZIL (Pinto, Magdalena, Bignetti,2004)
Firms relationships with UBI Managerial,
Innovation,
Financial
Austin Tech Incubator USA
Wiggins and Gibson,2003
help startups stabilize
generate wealth for stakeholders
aid continual University value creation
bringing innovative ideas to the market
For profit-1% equity stake in startups
Biz plan review
facilitate regional economic development
Reccession and economic downturn Architectural & Modular based on US NBIA
best practice for incubation success
strategic, financial & infrastructural
value delivery( facilities, funding, mentorship)
joint biz plan review
help startups stabilize
generate wealth for stakeholders
aid continual University value creation
bringing innovative ideas to the market
For profit-1% equity stake in startups
Biz plan review
facilitate regional economic development
Reccession and economic downturn Architectural & Modular based on US nbia
best practice for incubation success
Hungary_ Zoltan Baltmozy ,2006 UBI in less favored regions Focus on life science Regional Development Strategy via Life science startups development and diverse fields. Incremental (evolutionary approach) Pre-Incubation strategy
Selection Policy
Changes in Entrepreneurial
behaviors overtime
South Africa_ Startups and Established
Organization _requirements with UBI
Klonaridis & De Klerk,2017
physical facilities
general business services
management services
financial consulting
networking & professional services
high SMME failure rate
need for regional development
focus on high tech
stimulates and launches Tech based startups
high growth potential startups
selection criteria based on innovativeness
infrastructure and management provisions
access to entrepreneurial support
physical facilities
general business services
management services
financial consulting
networking & professional services
high SMME failure rate
need for regional development
Situated Regional UBI_ Stakeholder context (2 Cases)
McAdam et al,2016
Regional partnership with UBI for Venture creation excessive stakeholder' influence
on incubation model
excessive power exertion from stakeholders
focus on digital, connected health,
advanced engineering ( Biotech ,Nanotech)
Radical innovation in BM :- based on
changes in full dependency on funding source(Govt.)
Transition of Incubator to Virtual due to funding issues
traditional incubation support:
infra ,networking, collaboration, knowledge exchange, consultancy
Changes ,modification in BM
due to regional influence, stakeholder
power/salience impact on BM
Regional partnership with UBI for Venture creation
TH Venture Lab, Germany
Case study Taiwo,2024:2025
Foster venture formation among students( Engineering)
Venture Champion triggered
Quest for funding
Need for workflow changes
'Radically Incremental'':-
resource mgt. changes
Initial Consultation with
student entrepreneurs on ideas;
Local Hackathon, weekend startup meets with mentors
At inception: (Low) Entrepreneurship .
Mindset among students; Low(Network Capabilities)
Regional Funding support
Changes ,modification due to
workflow process
expansion of resources due to fund received
Foster venture formation among students( Engineering)
Venture Champion triggered
INNOV_ unibator
Case study (Taiwo,2024:2025)
stimulate venture formation among students
Diverse startups portfolio
Support from Group of distinguished Venture champions(Professors)
Strong University Heritage in Entrepreneurship Incremental:- addition of Accelerator
for matured startups
rigid incubation selection
criteria due to flurry of ideas
Robust Ecosystem due to
University & UBI location
Funding ( Financial)Capabilities
Recombination :- leading to
Accelerator formation with intakes of matured startups from the incubator to facilitate equity generation for the UBI
stimulate venture formation among students
Diverse startups portfolio
Support from Group of distinguished Venture champions(Professors)
ESA_ESABICs
(Eldering and Hulsink,2022)
Incubation for space Space for Incubation-ESA
Network of Incubation Centers
Case study (Taiwo,2024:2025)
2 cases
EU initiated( EU Template via ESA,IVO) but locally competed for
Heritage in Space Research
startups creation at all Space segments( Case 1)
-focus on lower segment and other applications(waste management., telemedicine, Data Analytics & AI) Case 2)
incremental:- gradual collaborative efforts Rigorous selection criteria due to high competitive Space Ecosystem
Joint Project facilitation
Readily available funds
Coproduction & Project collaboration with
Firms and Entrepreneurs ;
Open(Innovation)
recombination for Trans-regional collaborative
project in the upper segment of the space value chain
Case study (Taiwo,2024:2025)
2 cases
University Sponsored Tech Incubators
Case of 6 US U(T)BI
Goals: Regional, state & local economic development research commercialization, tech transfer,
Entrepreneurship. Skills development
Non Profit, State and University owned with city support,
Separate university entity with R&D
Profit and nonprofit UBTIs
External stakeholder support & collaboration
Post incubator-startups linkages after graduation
incremental and architectural
based on NBIA standard practice
IP Safeguards
Equity stakes and royalties
Graduate firm linkages
Regional(state) collaboration
with Universities
Affordable rent space
University Sponsored Tech Incubators
Case of 6 US U(T)BIs
Mian S.A,1994
Goals: Regional, state & local economic development research commercialization, tech transfer,
Entrepreneurship. Skills development
Non Profit, State and Univ. owned with city support,
Separate university entity with R&D
Profit and non-profit UBTIs
External stakeholder support & collaboration
Post incubator-startups linkages after graduation
incremental and architectural
based on NBIA standard practice
IP Safeguards
Equity stakes and royalties
Graduate firm linkages
Regional(state) collaboration
with Universities
Goals: Regional, state & local economic development research commercialization, tech transfer,
Entrepreneurship. Skills development
Non Profit, State and University, owned with city support,
Separate university entity with R&D
Profit and non-profit UBTIs
External stakeholder support & collaboration
Post incubator-startups linkages after graduation
Comparing Demand
& Supply Sides of UBIs
cases of UBIs, Germany
Brunel, Clarysse, Groen 2014
venture formation
idea generation & spin-offs
infrastructure, biz support , access to networks
Commercializing Science in Europe
the Case of Cambridge University Biotech
Research and Development
ideas generation and startups spinoffs
linkages btw firms and Universities
Need for Firm University project collaboration
Triggered by Government policies
Lab facilities for research
funding by regional government
Resources ( finance) tech license offices
In-depth-scientific
capabilities
Boston 128 Model US_
Regional & Govt. supported
Heritage of Tech Universities spinoffs
Continual spinoffs from Ivy league Universities
(MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Boston)
Architectural:- Boston 128 route shapes biotech spinoff activities value c8tn via Research institutes,
University spinoff network structure, Public &Private Org.
Manufacturing companies presence for Info exchange
opportunity recognition & exploitation
capabilities of biotech researches by VCs
Regional & Govt. supported
Heritage of Tech Universities spinoffs
Continual spinoffs from Ivy league Universities
(MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Boston)
Case of Israel, Biotech
Breznitz,2012
Focus on R & D in the production segment of lifescience value chain
Govt. initiated
funding differences across lifescience clusters compared to Europe or US Incubators silo operations due to complex working relationships with firms and lack of time and support for firms
lack of experts in later stages of production
knowledge supply based cluster
R&D focused
R &D Capabilities
Presence of Highly ranked
Universities in Science
Cluster Sustainability_ Israeli
Life science Industry
Biotech MG Centers:
Toronto Montreal
Niosi_Bas,2002
Formed from Govt. initiated strategy
Govt.(Montreal) and private(Toronto) funding
Continual University spinoffs
presence of VCs private and public Presence of large firms(MNCs) for
project collaborations
Readily available VC support
Funding ,R&D, Integrated support system
Collaborative ecosystem
Formed from Govt. initiated strategy
Govt.(Montreal) and private(Toronto) funding
Continual University spinoffs
presence of VCs private and public
What is glocal and local: Case of
Biotech Cluster in Uppsala, Sweden
Waxell and Malmberg,2007
Highly intense Biotech activities
city known for Biotech research heritage
weak representation of local VCs
proximity to Stockholm thereby attracting
pool of experts
Presence of large firms(MNCs) for project collaborations
Labor mobility
loyalty and trust among actors and to cluster fostered a growing relationship
Global market interactions
Highly intense Biotech activities
city known for Biotech research heritage
weak representation of local VCs
proximity to Stockholm thereby attracting
pool of experts
Case of Biotech UBIs
Taiwo,2024:2025
Research Commercialization
Joint projects execution with firms
Startup and venture formation
Triggered by Firm presence
Government Policies
University-Firm collaboration( Projects)
Capabilities required for: Early Stage, Matured Stage, Entrepreneurial Survival, Regional Biotech, Perseverance ( throughout Value chain) Research Commercialization
Joint projects execution with firms
Startup and venture formation
Triggered by Firm presence
Government Policies
University-Firm collaboration( Projects)
Case of MedTech_ UBIs_ DE
Taiwo,2025
Collaboration for joint
cluster projects with Univ. and Firms

Patenting of research and new firm spinoffs from clusters
Continual support from Regional & National levels

Heritage of Univ. UBI in MedTech Research, spinoff & Patenting

(Pre-historic) Regional heritage for MedTech based activities

A Municipal RIS based Cluster surrounded with robust EE attributes and leverage on RIS Infra and support
Incremental: Based on adjustment
of BM /Cluster processes to Regional & national
changes
Presence of large firms for project support proximity of firms-University & cluster executives for extensive knowledge creation and flow (exchange)

High value cocreation among actors thereby achieving Top Cluster status in Europe
Robust & Sustainable Cluster
Adaptation & Challenges
Idea Gen & Startups Success, TTO/ Actor Impact
Collaboration for joint
cluster projects with Univ. and Firms

Patenting of research and new firm spinoffs from clusters
continual BM modification and adaptation
of processes.
e.g. Extension market entry to foreign firms
Providing Business Support for small and medium enterprises in London Fashion Sector UK
Tirani and Banks,2014
Grow high-end fashion businesses
Reduce business risks
Question reactionary fashion culture
expand ability to connect
short fashion product life cycle

sourcing in manufacturing materials
Grow high-end fashion businesses
Reduce business risks
Question reactionary fashion culture
expand ability to connect
short fashion product life cycle

sourcing in manufacturing materials
Promoting Innovation Within the Fashion-tech Sector. The Role of Pan-European Projects
Colombi, Lodovico,
Roncha,2021
provide network opportunities for fashion designers provision of funding for ideas and startups in the fashion sector Technologies disruptions e.g. IoT, AI,
data analytics, ML in Fashion & Luxury
provide network opportunities for fashion designers provision of funding for ideas and startups in the fashion sector Technologies disruptions e.g. IoT, AI,
data analytics, ML in Fashion & Luxury
Nanoscience and Nanotech: How an emerging area of scientific agenda of core countries in Latin America Invernizzi, Matthieu Hubert and Dominique Vinck ,
Rejuvenation sleeping anchor nanotech
clusters: pre-adaptation & lifecycle
for Regional & economic development triggered by major actor
STM microelectronics, networks formation via clusters and continual technology adaptation
Incremental via tech pre-adaptation co-creation with firms Universities
and major MNC, project and research enhancement via Univ.
Patterns of nanotechnology innovation and governance within a metropolitan area
Foley and Wiek,2013
Phoenix, US
cater for an aging population in the
Phoenix region with new Nano based high-tech products

tap into the solar PVAs resources of the Arizona region
changing and divergent tech landscape

government controlled commercialization process
incremental :- phase based innovation from :initialization to commercialization a placed based innovation ecosystem with diversified portfolio( defense, healthcare, solar) regional infra support knowledge creation within clusters;
inter-firm healthy competition giving rise
to innovation(Grenoble),day(internal) and external strategic collaboration for knowledge exchange and tech & cluster rejuvenation
cater for an aging population in the
Phoenix region with new Nano based high-tech products

tap into the solar PV resources of the Arizona region
Japanese nanotech and industry landscape Andre Zägar,2014 early stage funding and high involvement of academia at the initialization phase( R&D)
Robertson and Kitigawa, 2011 _mediating regional …Case of SET Squared, UK Build 'critical mass' of R & D

Accelerate spinoffs from Universities and incubators via joint facilitation

Develop vast networks of actors within each regional ecosystem and towards regional and national growth and economic development
Joint regional collaboration via HEIF
Universities heritage and pedigree in research and spinoff e.g. Southampton compared to Stanford

Changes in internal governance and processes without impacting the central governance and control
incremental: for regional adaptation
Architectural: for central changes
Radical: from regional each University
e.g. Director Bath forming developing regional
network outside the central network.
Each Director has the authority to
implement changes at the regional level
Cocreation with actors in
the system via partnerships and
networks(Business) like BEN-Business Enterprise Networks

Enhanced Regional value cocreation via projects collaboration.

Universities as Knowledge Mediators and Boundary Spanners.
Collaborative :- Network Capabilities
(partnerships, coordination,
marketing, communication) coupled with enhanced
EO( risk and proactiveness with innovation)
Build 'critical mass' of R & D

Accelerate spinoffs from Universities and incubators via joint facilitation

Develop vast networks of actors within each regional ecosystem and towards regional and national growth and economic development
Joint regional collaboration via HEIF
Universities heritage and pedigree in research and spinoff e.g. Southampton compared to Stanford

Changes in internal governance and processes without impacting the central governance and control
Build 'critical mass' of R & D

Accelerate spinoffs from Universities and incubators via joint facilitation

Develop vast networks of actors within each regional ecosystem and towards regional and national growth and economic development
Joint regional collaboration via HEIF
Universities heritage and pedigree in research and spinoff e.g. Southampton compared to Stanford

Changes in internal governance and processes without impacting the central governance and control
incremental: for regional adaptation
Architectural: for central changes
Radical: from regional each University
e.g. Director Bath forming developing regional
network outside the central network.
Each Director has the authority to
implement changes at the regional level
Cocreation with actors in
the system via partnerships and
networks(Business) like BEN-Business Enterprise Networks

Enhanced Regional value cocreation via projects collaboration.
Universities as Knowledge Mediators and Boundary Spanners.
Collaborative :- Network Capabilities
(partnerships, coordination,
marketing, communication) coupled with enhanced
EO( risk and proactiveness with innovation)
Shared rent facilities
mentorship and training on entrepreneurship
Networks of entrepreneurs
Shared rent facilities
mentorship and training on entrepreneurship
Networks of entrepreneurs
NIMELA, Artic Region Case of Oulu, Tromso and Lulea For Innovative Infrastructural development
with the respective innovative tools and processes

To facilitate students integration with firms via internships
and mentorship while providing consulting services

develop innovative spinoffs in high-tech( biotech)

Development of innovation hubs for effective innovation concentration
Triggered by aging population,
peripheral, border regions entrepreneurial
activities disadvantages

Harsh climatic disadvantages and the need to ensure continual innovation within the Scandinavian region to facilitate project funding rather than continual development on public funds

Heritage of research and academic pedigree( OULU)
Radical:- Innovation is key survive in the entrepreneurial
disadvantaged region

Incremental:- assessment of Innovation programs in the early stage would take some time
Presence of value cocreation actors between Universities and firms for research commercialization and spinoffs.

Engagement of students in entrepreneurial related activities to stimulate Ent. Mindset( e.g. Business Kitchen)

Creating the right environment for labor & expert mobility

Relational Alliance Capabilities

Innovative Capabilities
Recombination of operational processes to
facilitate business model expansion for innovation


modification of processes
Build 'critical mass' of R & D

Accelerate spinoffs from Universities and incubators via joint facilitation

Develop vast networks of actors within each regional ecosystem and towards regional and national growth and economic development
The Role of University in Agro
innovation development in Africa
Rukarwa,Mensah,Egeru,2018
development of Innovation hubs
testing students' business models at the incubation phase.

Aid the University to develop innovation ecosystem that fosters agric-hubs

developing entrepreneurship agro-hubs via knowledge and information mechanisms and innovation development
the need for regional development via agro biz
facilitate innovative agro biz development via Universities partnerships
Modular:- based on RUFORUM,RECAP activities among institutions of participation. encourage Universities partnerships and integration via the RUFORUM network.

Funding provision via proposals from participating universities




URI Universities Research Institutes) and RIS: the cases of Beijing and Shenzhen
Kun Chen ,2017
For continual Research commercialization
and spinoff- regionally and nationally

facilitate spinoffs among Universities in both regions

Enhance linkages with firms and graduates( abroad) for local venture formation
Effect of rising infra shortages and cost stemmed for new innovation milieu

Need for an Holding firm to cater for spinoff
and incubation expansion

Procedures and Equity or stake in spinoff companies
Radical:- establishment of holding firms for funding,
management and linkages of spinoffs/incubators within the park
Incremental:- linkages with local firms and infrastructural and entrepreneurial support provision due to expansion of incubators’
Co-creation via joint research collaboration
with firms ,foreign local students(Chinese) in the US

Provision of amenities:- rent or shared space, mentoring
network and professional consultations for incubators in the Park

Increased R& D activities via project funding and
researchers' availability
Scientific and knowledge research
(academic) capabilities

Networking Capabilities

Human Resource availability ( Munificence)
For continual Research commercialization
and spinoff- regionally and nationally

facilitate spinoffs among Universities in both regions

Enhance linkages with firms and graduates( abroad) for local venture formation
ALLIANCE:-Transforming Open Research and Innovation through CHARMS -TORCH: An EU Horizon Project
2022
Develop entrepreneurship mindset among students
provide support: funding and incubation services to students
engage students in entrepreneurial related activities
to facilitate valorization
To provide training via mentorship, networking and collaboration to students
EU based policies for entrepreneurship
development among students

University collaboration and alliance formation for collective yet distributed advantages
Incremental :- gradual and planned ( roadmap) innovation
development for students and each University

Architectural:- Based on the EU project plan and goals, each University developed a contingent plan for entrepreneurship development
Provision of pre-incubation and incubation training and support for students

linking students with mentors for training and entrepreneurship development

funding for startups

Unique Entrepreneurship education programs at each Universities
Entrepreneurial Mindset
( development) capabilities
modification _changes of organizational structures
via changes to Holding firm.

Recombination of NIS, RIS resources to foster enhanced infrastructural support in
Develop entrepreneurship mindset among students
provide support: funding and incubation services to students
engage students in entrepreneurial related activities
to facilitate valorization
To provide training via mentorship, networking and collaboration to students
Why Universities create and foster BIs_
Case of New Mexico State University(NWSU)
Ejiro Osiobe and Kraer WinningHam,2020
Develop National Security Technologies via incubation support
startups creation for regional economic development in the La Crunes region
Overall Impact of the UBI at that point was qustionable

Regional policies for development via tech support program and incubation
Incremental participation and
support for student entrepreneurs
provision of amenities across
different departments

stages or phases of incubation
for entrepreneurs

supporting entrepreneurs with
fund
entrepreneurial activities
development among students
via participation in Entrepreneurship Training
Develop National Security Technologies via incubation support
startups creation for regional economic development in the La Crunes region
Overall Impact of the UBI at that point was questionable

Regional policies for development via tech support program and incubation
FINTECH_INSURETECH
Facilitating Innovation in Fintech: a review Alssard, Laurie, Helge Aas,2021 incubators impact on fintech
requires more research
RSO lifecycle and banking relationships
and incubation dev_ case of Italy
Fassano et al., 2023
Table A2. UBI Models Typology Classification.
Table A2. UBI Models Typology Classification.
Typology CORE BIZ & MGT function
CORE R& D Commercialization
Regionally Initated
Opportunity Based UBIs Industry Focussed ( Lifescience) CORE BIZ & MGT function
Biz plan assessment
Biz plan review
general business services
management services
financial consulting
networking & professional service

provision of funding for ideas and startups in the fashion sector
R& D investment &
commercilaization
Regional _community
partnerships

facilitate regional economic development

Regional partnership with UBI for Venture creation
cater for an aging population in the
Phoenix region with new Nano based hightech products

tap into the solar Pv resources of the Arizona region

Create software tech products
Focus on life science

mixed manufcturing startups

Focus on science (biomed)
Biz plan assessment
Biz plan review
general business services
management services
financial consulting
networking & professional service

provision of funding for ideas and startups in the fashion sector
startups mgt.team development
Entp. Skills development
Reduce Biz Risk
commercialization,tech txfer, Regional,state & local economic development research

Joint projects execution with firms
heritage in space
research

startups creation at all space segments

Focus on lower segments and other applications
startups mgt.team development
Entp. Skills development
Reduce Biz Risk
founder_incubator_
incubatee relationships

expand ability to connect
Research and Development

Build 'critical mass' of R & D
Collaboration for joint
cluster projects with Univ. and Firms
Create startups for software tech development Heritage of Tech Universities spinoffs

Question reactionary fashion culture
founder_incubator_
incubatee relationships

expand ability to connect
Research Commercialization

For continual Research commerialization
and spinoff- regionally and nationally
for Regional & economic development Focus on R & D in the production segment
of lifescience value chain
Research Commercialization

For continual Research commerialization
and spinoff- regionally and nationally
Stimulating entpreneurshsip among graduates
Foster venture formation among students( Engineering)
stimulate venture formation among students
Develop National Security Technologies via incubation support

startups creation for regional economic development in the La Crunes region
Highly intense Btech activities

City known for Biotech research heritage
Stimulating entpreneurshsip among graduates
Foster venture formation among students( Engineering)
stimulate venture formation among students
To provide high-growth enterprise
help startups stabilize
EU intiated but competed for
locally

Govt. Initiated

Formed from Govt. initiated strategy
cater for an aging population in the
Phoenix region with new Nano based hightech products

tap into the solar Pv resources of the Arizona region
to provide high-growth enterprise
help startups stabilize
bringing innovative ideas to the market
aid continual University value creation
venture formation

idea generation & spin-offs

Continual Univ. spinoffs
ideas generation and startups spinoffs

Startup and venture formation
Patenting of research and new
firm spinoffs from clusters
Grow high-end fashion businesses
Accelerate spinoffs from Universities
and incubators via joint facilitation
Table A3. UBI BMs Triggers based on Extant literature.
Table A3. UBI BMs Triggers based on Extant literature.
Global SIS_EU NIS_RIS(Regional & National) Cluster (Industry specific) Organizational( Firms and UBI ) Organizational _UBI Operational ( UBI)
Climatic conditions
Climate changes,
CO2 Emissions

Recession, meltdown/Financial meltdown

Global Tech disruption
Change Tech landscape

Tech Evolution
Uncertainties in High-Tech commercialization (proposal)

Firm triggered disruption by STM Microelectronics: causing innovation
Development in Nanotech and Pharmacia leaving a region in Karolina Institute(KI)
EU Govt. Policies on Entrepreneurship development
EU Regulations
Regional Economic diversification
Regional Development,
Continual Regional Support,
Regional heritage in specific research,
RIS municipal ecosystem,
Innovation development,
Regional policies for development via Tech support programs and incubation
Life science development,

SMMEs failure,

Funding difference in life science clusters compared to EU or US,

Short PLC,

Sourcing in Manufacturing
Industry ,
dominance(Fintech organization dominance)
Formal Industrial linkages and collaborations
Presence of Innovative firms
VC Firms presences
University spinoff in Ivy league
Interaction gap between incubator and incubatee
Stakeholder influence on incubate model
Power exertion by Stakeholder
Funding Generation
Questionable UBI Impact
Flexibility in incubation process
IP Commercialization
Silo Operations
Lack of time and experts
Stakeholder influence on incubation model
Power exertion by Stakeholders
Questionable UBI IMPACT
Funding Sourcing and Generation

Appendix B

Table A4. Business Model literatures for Conceptual Framework Development.
Table A4. Business Model literatures for Conceptual Framework Development.
Article Description Author(s) Journal Context BM,BMI, etc.
1. Value uncaptured perspective for sustainable business model innovation Yang, M; Evans, S; Vladimirova, D; et al. ORE Open Research Exeter Extracting uncaptured values in BMs
2.what-drives-business-model-adaptation-impact the impact of opportunities, threats and strategic orientation Tina Saebi, Lasse Lien, Nicolai J Foss Long Range Planning, 50 (5).
pp. 567-581.
BM Adaptation
3. unlocking the hidden value of concepts: a cognitive approach to business model innovation Luis l. martins, violina p. rindova, and bruce e. greenbaum ,2015 Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal
Strat. Entrepreneurship J., 9: 99–117 (2015)
Published online in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com). DOI: 10.1002/sej.119
BM Innovation( Cognitive Generation)
4.The entrepreneur’s business model: toward a unified perspective Michael Morrisa,*, Minet Schindehutteb , Jeffrey Allen Journal of Business Research 58 (2005) 726 – 735 BM concepts
5. The business model: recent developments and future research Christoph Zott, Raphael Amit, Lorenzo Massa, Feb, 2011 ssrn-1674384.pdf
6. The Business Model in Practice and its Implications for Entrepreneurship Research GERARD GEORGE, ADAM J. BOCK, September 09, 2009 Entrepreneurship theory & practice (forthcoming) BM Perspectives and concepts with Discourse Analysis
7. Designing your future business model: an activity system perspective Christoph Zott Raphael Amit,2009 IESE ,Navara BM Design as activity system
8. The business model: an integrative framework for strategy execution James Richardson ssrn-932998.pdf
9. The Genesis and Metamorphosis of Novelty Imprints: How Business Model Innovation Emerges in Young Ventures https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/331797722
Yuliya Snihur,Christian Zott
10. Business model innovation: a review of the process-based literature Daniela Andreini1 ·
Cristina Bettinelli ·
Nicolai J. Foss ·
Marco Mismetti, 2021
Journal of Management and Governance (2022)
26:1089–1121 https://doi.org/10.1007/s10997-021-09590-w
11. The business model concept: theoretical underpinnings and empirical illustrations Jonas Hedman and Thomas Kalling European Journal of Information Systems (2003) 12, 49–59
12. Business model design: conceptualizing networked value co-creation Suvi Nenonen and Kaj Storbacka The 2009 Naples Forum on Services: Service-Dominant Logic, Service Science, and Network Theory Network valued cocreation with capabilities
13. The sites and practices of business models Katy Mason a, ⁎, Martin Spring, 2011 Industrial Marketing Management Tech,Network and market offering in BMs
14. Crafting business architecture: the
antecedents of business model design
Raphael Amit and Christoph zott Strategic entrepreneurship journal copyright © 2015 strategic management society strat. entrepreneurship j., 9: 331–350 (2015)
15.Conceptualizing a "Sustainability Business Model" Wendy Stubbs and Chris Cocklin,2008 Organization Environment 2008; 21; 103
16. Business Model Innovation Lorenzo Massa, Christopher Tucci, The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management. Edited by Mark Dodgson,David Gann & Nelson Phillips. ISBN: 9780199694945
17. The Importance of Classification to Business Model Research Dr. Susan C. Lambert Journal of Business Models (2015), Vol. 3, No. 1, pp. 49-61 BM Classification(typology and Taxonomy)
18.The Sustainable Business Model Pattern Taxonomy – 45 Patterns to Support Sustainability-Oriented Business Model Innovation https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/325957687
Florian Lüdeke-Freund*, Sarah Carroux, Alexandre Joyce, Lorenzo Massa, Henning Breuer
https://www.researchgate.net/
publication/325957687
19. Business Models as Models Charles Baden-Fuller* and Mary S. Morgan Baden-Fuller, C & Morgan, MS (2010). Business Models as Models. LONG RANGE PLANNING, 43(2-3), p156-171
20. A typology of sustainable circular business models with application in bioeconomy Erika De Keyser* and Erik Mathijs
21. Classification tools for business models: Status quo, comparison, and agenda Thorsten Schoormann, ·
Julia Schweihof · Ilka Jussen3 · Frederik Mölle
Electronic Markets (2023) 33:7 https://doi.org/10.1007/s12525-023-00639-2
22.Cluster Typology of Business Models of Start-Ups. (Example of Slovakia) Štefan Slávik * , Richard Bednár , Ivana Mišúnová Hudáková and Katarína Moravˇcíková, 2020 MDPI Administrative science
23. Business model innovation: a typology Elena Casprini,2015 sinergie Italian journal of management Vol. 33, N. 97, 2015
24._Taxonomy_of_Carsharing_Business_Models Gerrit Remane ,Robert C. Nickerson, Andre Hanelt , Jan F. Tesch University of and Lutz M. Kolbe Thirty Seventh International Conference on Information Systems, Dublin 2016
25.Typology-of-digital-business-models-in-tourism Zentner_Spremi_2021 IJESM
Table A5. showing the UBI BM Typology.
Table A5. showing the UBI BM Typology.
UBI BM Typology
UBI BM Antecedents
Goals, Template, Stakeholders, environment constrains
Core Business & Entrepreneurship BM
Core R & D commercialization
Industry focused or specialized BMs(Life science, Space, Luxury)
Regionally Initiated BM
Opportunity Based BMs

References

  1. Al-Mubaraki, H.M.; Busler, M. The incubators economic indicators: Mixed approaches. Journal of Case Research in Business and Economics 2012, 4, 1. [Google Scholar]
  2. AL-Mubaraki, H.M.; Busler, M. Incubator successes: Lessons learned from successful incubators towards the twenty-first century. World Journal of Science, Technology and Sustainable Development 2014, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  3. Baraldi, E.; Havenvid, M.I. Identifying new dimensions of business incubation: A multi-level analysis of Karolinska Institute’s incubation system. Technovation 2016, 50, 53–68. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  4. Baraldi, E.; Ingemansson, M.; Launberg, A. Controlling the commercialisation of science across inter-organisational borders: Four cases from two major Swedish universities. Industrial Marketing Management 2014, 43(3), 382–391. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  5. Becker, B.; Gassmann, O. Corporate incubators: Industrial R&D and what universities can learn from them. The Journal of Technology Transfer 2006a, 31, 469–483. [Google Scholar]
  6. Becker, B.; Gassmann, O. Gaining leverage effects from knowledge modes within corporate incubators. R&d Management 2006b, 36(1), 1–16. [Google Scholar]
  7. Breznitz, S.M. Cluster sustainability: the Israeli life sciences industry. Economic Development Quarterly 2013, 27(1), 29–39. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  8. Breznitz, S.M.; O’Shea, R.P.; Allen, T.J. University commercialization strategies in the development of regional bioclusters. Journal of product innovation management 2008, 25(2), 129–142. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  9. Bruneel, J.; et al. The Evolution of Business Incubators: Comparing demand and supply of business incubation services across different incubator generations. Technovation 2012a, 32(2), 110–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  10. Bruneel, J.; et al. The Evolution of Business Incubators: Comparing demand and supply of business incubation services across different incubator generations. Technovation 2012b, 32(2), 110–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  11. Clarysse, B.; Tartari, V.; Salter, A. The impact of entrepreneurial capacity, experience and organizational support on academic entrepreneurship. Research policy 2011, 40(8), 1084–1093. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  12. Collins, K.M.; Onwuegbuzie, A.J.; Jiao, Q.G. A mixed methods investigation of mixed methods sampling designs in social and health science research. Journal of mixed methods research 2007, 1(3), 267–294. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  13. Cooke, P. Biotechnology Clusters in the UK: Lessons from Localisation in the Commercialisation of Science. Small business economics 2001a, 17, 43–59. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  14. Cooke, P. New economy innovation systems: biotechnology in Europe and the USA. Industry and Innovation 2001b, 8(3), 267–289. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  15. Cooke, P. Regional innovation systems, clusters, and the knowledge economy. Industrial and corporate change 2001c, 10(4), 945–974. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  16. Creswell, J.W. Mixed-method research: Introduction and application. In Handbook of educational policy; Elsevier, 1999; pp. 455–472. [Google Scholar]
  17. Daniela, A.; et al. Business model innovation: a review of the process-based literature. Journal of Management and Governance 2019, 26, 1089–1121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  18. Eldering, C.; Hulsink, W. Incubation with space–space for incubation: the European Space Agency’s network of business incubation centers. Handbook of Research on Business and Technology Incubation and Acceleration: A Global Perspective 2021, 160. [Google Scholar]
  19. Fielt, E. Conceptualising business models: Definitions, frameworks and classifications. Journal of business models 2013, 1(1), 85–105. [Google Scholar]
  20. Gabriel, R.; Sörvik Anna, Z.; Matilda, A. Place-Based Innovation Ecosystems:Volvo companies in Gothenburg (Sweden). EUR 29494 EN, Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg. 2019. [CrossRef]
  21. George, G.; Bock, A.J. The Sustainabable Business Patterns Taxonomy: 45 Patterns to explain Sustainability Oriented Business Model Innovation. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal 2015, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  22. Grimaldi, R.; Grandi, A. Business incubators and new venture creation: an assessment of incubating models. Technovation 2005a, 25(2), 111–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  23. Grimaldi, R.; Grandi, A. Business incubators and new venture creation: an assessment of incubating models. Technovation 2005b, 25(2), 111–121. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  24. Gustavo, H.S.M. de M.; et al. Corporate entrepreneurship at the university: the influence of managerial support, autonomy and reward on the innovative behaviour of university professors. Journal of Entrepreneurshi in Emerging Economies Emerald Publishing Limited 2021, Preprint. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  25. Harris, J.L. Bridging the gap between ‘Fin’and ‘Tech’: The role of accelerator networks in emerging FinTech entrepreneurial ecosystems. Geoforum 2021, 122, 174–182. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  26. Hedman, J.; Kalling, T. The Business Model concept: theoretical underpinnning and emprical Ilustrations. European Journal of Information Systems 2003, 12, 49–59. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  27. Hintsala, H.; Niemelä, S.; Tervonen, P. Arctic innovation hubs: opportunities for regional co-operation and collaboration in Oulu, Luleå, and Tromsø. The Northern Review 2017, 45, 77–92. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  28. Kathleen, M.E. Building theories from Case Study Research. Academy of Management Review 1989, 14(4), 532–550. [Google Scholar]
  29. Kitagawa, F.; Robertson, S. High-tech entrepreneurial ‘soft starters’ in a university-based business incubator: space for entrepreneurial capital formation and emerging business models. In New Technology-Based Firms in the New Millennium; Emerald Group Publishing Limited, 2015. [Google Scholar]
  30. Klonaridis, R. COMPARISON BETWEEN SOUTH AFRICAN SERVICE INDUSTRY SECTORS’REQUIREMENTS FROM UNIVERSITY BUSINESS INCUBATORS. International Journal Of Business And Management Studies 2020, 12(1), 225–240. [Google Scholar]
  31. Kun, C.; Martin, K. Universities/Research Institutes and Regional Innovation Systems: The Cases of Beijing and Shenzhen. BRIE Working Paper 168 2005, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  32. Lagos, D.; Kutsikos, K. The role of IT-focused business incubators in managing regional development and innovation. 2011. [Google Scholar]
  33. Lambert, S. The importance of classification to business model research. Journal of Business Models 2015, 3(1). [Google Scholar]
  34. Lee, S.S.; Osteryoung, J.S. A comparison of critical success factors for effective operations of university business incubators in the United States and Korea. Journal of small business management 2004, 42(4), 418–426. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  35. Lüdeke, F.; et al. The Sustainabable Business Patterns Taxonomy: 45 Patterns to explain Sustainability Oriented Business Model Innovation. Sustainable Production and Consumption 2018, 15, 145–162. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  36. MARTINS, L.; RINDOVA, V.P.; GREENBAUM, B.E. UNLOCKING THE HIDDEN VALUE OF CONCEPTS: A COGNITIVE APPROACH TO BUSINESS MODEL INNOVATION. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal 2015, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  37. Mason, K.; Spring, M. The sites and practices of business models. Industrial Marketing Management; Elsevier, 2011. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  38. Massa, L.; Tucci, C. (no date) Business Model Innovation:Book Chapter (forthcoming): The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management.. The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management( Forthcoming). In ISBN: 9780199694945., The Oxford Handbook of Innovation Management; Dodgson, Mark, Gann, David, Phillips, Nelson, Eds.; Preprint.
  39. McAdam, M.; et al. Business processes and networks in university incubators: A review and research agendas. Technology analysis & strategic management 2006, 18(5), 451–472. [Google Scholar]
  40. McAdam, M.; Miller, K.; McAdam, R. Situated regional university incubation: A multi-level stakeholder perspective. Technovation 2016a, 50, 69–78. [Google Scholar]
  41. McAdam, M.; Miller, K.; McAdam, R. Situated regional university incubation: A multi-level stakeholder perspective. Technovation 2016b, 50, 69–78. [Google Scholar]
  42. Mian, S.A. US university-sponsored technology incubators: an overview of management, policies and performance. Technovation 1994, 14(8), 515–528. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  43. Mian, S.A. Assessing and managing the university technology business incubator: an integrative framework. Journal of business venturing 1997, 12(4), 251–285. [Google Scholar]
  44. Michael, M.; Minet, S.; Jeffery, A. The entrepreneur’s business model: toward a unified perspective. Journal of Business Research ELSEVIER 2005, 58, 726–735. [Google Scholar]
  45. Moranta, S.; Donati, A. Space Ventures Europe 2018—entrepreneurship and private investment in the European Space Sector. New Space 2020, 8(1), 7–17. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  46. Muathe, S.; Otieno, V. STARTUP INCUBATION AND ACCELERATORS IN AFRICA; ARE START-UPS SCALING UP IN KENYA? American International Journal of Social Science Research 2022, 11(1), 23–28. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  47. Nelsen, L.L. The role of research institutions in the formation of the biotech cluster in Massachusetts: The MIT experience. Journal of Commercial Biotechnology 2005, 11, 330–336. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  48. Nenonen, S.; Storbacka, K. Business model design: conceptualizing networked value co-creation. The 2009 Naples Forum on Services: Service-Dominant Logic, Service Science, and Network Theory 2009, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  49. Nicola, J.; Tina, F.S. Business models and business model innovation: Between wicked and paradigmatic problem. Long Range Planning Elsevier Available at. 2018, 51, 9–21. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  50. Nkosinathi, S.; Robert, O.R. Commercialisation of research and technology: A multiple case study of university technology business incubators. African Journal of Business Management 2014, 8(16), 641–659. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  51. Obaji, N.; Olugu, M.; Obiekwe, B. Business incubation adaptation and success factors in nigerian context of a developing country: A Literature Review. International Journal of Science Technology & Management 2015, 401, 1529–2394. [Google Scholar]
  52. Pillay, N.S.; Uctu, R. A snapshot of the successful bioclusters around the world: Lessons for South African biotechnology. Journal of Commercial Biotechnology 2013, 19(1). [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  53. Rasmussen, E.; Borch, O.J. University capabilities in facilitating entrepreneurship: A longitudinal study of spin-off ventures at mid-range universities. Research policy 2010, 39(5), 602–612. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  54. Richardson, J. The Business Model Conet. Shilder College of Business, University of Hawai at Manoa 2005, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  55. Rider, W.; Arnim, F.W. Patterns of nanotechnology innovation and governance within a metropolitan area. Technology in Society Available at. 2013, 35(4), 233–247. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  56. Taiwo, A. University Business Incubators (UBIs) Based Projects in Collaboration with the Academia, Regional Governments, and Digital Innovation Hubs (A Spin-off from DBA Research 2022/23). Global journal of Business and Integral Security [Preprint]. 2023. Available online: https://gbis.ch/index.php/gbis/article/view/256.
  57. Taiwo, A. A MIXED METHOD GROUNDED THEORY (MM-GT) WITH INTELLIGENT GIS AND MACHINE LEARNING APPROACH TO UNIVERSITY BASED BIOTECH BUSINESS INCUBATORS (UBBI) CLUSTERS: A STRONG STRUCTURATION AND SPATIAL AGGLOMERATION VIEW. Global journal of Business and Integral Security 2024a, 1(2). [Google Scholar]
  58. Taiwo, A. EUROPEAN SPACE AGENCY BUSINESS INCUBATION CENTERS’(ESABIC) DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES, ENTREPRENEURSHIP ACTIVITIES AND VALUE CREATION WITH STRUCTURATION THEORY APPLICATION: A MIXED METHOD STUDY WITH MACHINE LEARNING MODELING. Global journal of Business and Integral Security 2024b, 1(2). [Google Scholar]
  59. Taiwo, A. MACHINE AND DEEP LEARNING MODELING OF UNIVERSITY BUSINESS INCUBATORS (UBI) DYNAMIC CAPABILITIES WITH THEIR ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES AND VALUE CREATION: A MIXED METHOD STUDY. Global journal of Business and Integral Security 2024c, 1(2). [Google Scholar]
  60. Taiwo, A.; Provodnikova, A. A Proposed Mixed Methods Strong Structuration Theory(SST) with Dynamic Social Network Analysis(DSNA): A myth to be unraveled? 2025, Preprints. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  61. Tarek E, V.; Mark, B. Profiling business support provision for small, medium and micro-sized enterprises in London’s fashion sector. Creativeworks London Working Paper Series No.9 2014, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  62. TORCH Consortium. TORCH D5. 4-Report on Student Entrepreneurship Support Methods. 2022. [Google Scholar]
  63. Walter, A.; Auer, M.; Ritter, T. The impact of network capabilities and entrepreneurial orientation on university spin-off performance. Journal of business venturing 2006, 21(4), 541–567. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  64. Waxell, A.; Malmberg, A. What is global and what is local in knowledge-generating interaction? The case of the biotech cluster in Uppsala, Sweden. Entrepreneurship and Regional Development 2007, 19(2), 137–159. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  65. Wendy, S.; Chris, C. Conceptualizing a ‘Sustainability Business Model. Organization and Environment Sagepub 2008, 21(2), 103–127. Available online: www.sagepub.com/journalsReprint.nav.
  66. Wiggins, J.; Gibson, V.G. Overview of the US incubators and the case of the Austin Technology incubator. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management 2003, 3(1). [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  67. Wonglimpiyarat, J. Commercialization strategies of technology: lessons from Silicon Valley. The Journal of Technology Transfer 2010, 35(2), 225–236. [Google Scholar] [CrossRef]
  68. Yang, M.; et al. Value uncaptured perspective for sustainable business mdoel innovation. Journal of Cleaner Production 2017, Preprint. [Google Scholar]
  69. Yin, R.K. Case Study Research: Design and methods( 4th Ed) authored by Trudie Aberdeen. The Canadian Journa of Action Research 2013, 14(1), 69–71. [Google Scholar]
  70. Zott, C.; Amit, R. Crafting Business Architecture: The Anteceedents of Business Model Designs. Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal 2015, 9, 331–350. [Google Scholar]
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for typical Business Model themes.
Figure 1. Conceptual Framework for typical Business Model themes.
Preprints 160872 g001
Figure 2. Research Project Strands and Phases (Phase 5 as the present study).
Figure 2. Research Project Strands and Phases (Phase 5 as the present study).
Preprints 160872 g002
Figure 3. Research Phase 5 highlights: UBI Business Models classification and Co-creation.
Figure 3. Research Phase 5 highlights: UBI Business Models classification and Co-creation.
Preprints 160872 g003
Figure 4. UBI BM Conceptual framework showing the typologies and components.
Figure 4. UBI BM Conceptual framework showing the typologies and components.
Preprints 160872 g004
Figure 5. UBI BMI Capabilities.
Figure 5. UBI BMI Capabilities.
Preprints 160872 g005
Disclaimer/Publisher’s Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of MDPI and/or the editor(s). MDPI and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.
Copyright: This open access article is published under a Creative Commons CC BY 4.0 license, which permit the free download, distribution, and reuse, provided that the author and preprint are cited in any reuse.
Prerpints.org logo

Preprints.org is a free preprint server supported by MDPI in Basel, Switzerland.

Subscribe

Disclaimer

Terms of Use

Privacy Policy

Privacy Settings

© 2026 MDPI (Basel, Switzerland) unless otherwise stated