This following report investigates the decision-making process of Swiss start-ups during their selection of an incubator in Zurich. It explores the ways start-ups decide on an incubator, which allows introducing a model for this matter. Thus, this study is motivated by the following research question: ‘What is the decision-making process of start-ups when selecting an incubator in Switzerland’? Previous literature failed to address the combination of incubation, start-ups and decision-making. Existing literature has focused predominantly on incubators’ performance, success factors of start-ups and decision-making reasons for creating a new venture. In other words, the gap in the literature is that primary research regarding incubator selection by start-ups has not been conducted. Hence, the aim of this research is to fill this gap by identifying the trigger for a start-up’s incubator search, the information channels it uses and the criteria for decision-making, which makes it possible to develop a framework for future start-ups, and existing as well as future incubators. The outcomes were based on semi-structured interviews with 10 start-ups in Zurich. Results showed that the trigger for incubator search is office space. Furthermore, the decision-making distinguishes itself between experienced and inexperienced entrepreneurs. Experienced mostly use search engines such as Google whereas inexperienced entrepreneurs obtain information through their close social circles. Criteria for decision-making for experienced entrepreneurs are tangible services such as infrastructure and location whereas for inexperienced entrepreneurs intangible services such as networking and coaching are valuable. The findings allow introducing a model that is useful for both existing and future incubators with suggestions to service offerings and future start-ups, providing suggestions about the decision-making process.
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 RESEARCH AIM
1.2 STRUCTURE
1.3 SCOPE
1.4 BENEFITS TO MANAGEMENT
2 LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.2 INCUBATION
2.2.1 INCUBATION IN SWITZERLAND
2.2.2 INCUBATION IN ZURICH
2.3 START-UPS
2.3.1 START-UPS IN SWITZERLAND
2.4 CONCLUSION
2.5 DECISION-MAKING
2.5.1 INTRODUCTION
2.5.2 JUDGMENTS
2.5.3 DECISIONS
2.5.3.1 Normative theory
2.5.3.2 Descriptive theory
2.5.3.3 Neoclassical theory
2.5.4 DECISION-MAKING PROCESS
2.5.5 DECISION-MAKING IN ORGANISATIONS
2.5.6 DECISION-MAKING BY ENTREPRENEURS
2.6 RESEARCH GAP
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3.1 INTRODUCTION
3.1.1 RESEARCH PURPOSE
3.1.2 RESEARCH PHILOSOPHY
3.1.3 RESEARCH APPROACH
3.1.4 RESEARCH STRATEGY
3.1.5 CHOICES
3.1.6 TIME HORIZONS
3.1.7 DATA COLLECTION
3.1.7.1 Construction of research sample
3.1.8 DATA ANALYSIS
3.2 LIMITATIONS
3.3 CONCLUSION
4 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA COLLECTION
4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.2 OVERVIEW OF RESULTS
4.3 PRESENTATION OF RESULTS
4.3.1 KNOWLEDGE ABOUT INCUBATORS
4.3.2 FEELING ABOUT INCUBATORS
4.3.3 TIME OF ACTION
4.3.4 TRIGGER FOR ACTION
4.3.5 INFORMATION CHANNELS
4.3.6 SELECTION PROCESS
4.3.7 CRITERIA OF CHOICE
4.3.8 TIME HORIZON OF APPLICATION PROCESS
4.3.9 SATISFACTION WITH CHOSEN INCUBATOR
4.3.10 USE OF COACHING
4.3.11 INCUBATION IMPROVEMENTS
4.3.12 SUGGESTIONS TO START-UPS
4.4 CONCLUSION
5 DISCUSSION
5.1 INTRODUCTION
5.2 IMPLICATIONS FOR LITERATURE REVIEW
5.2.1 SUCCESS CRITERIA OF INCUBATORS
5.2.2 NEEDS OF START-UPS
5.2.3 DECISION-MAKING
5.2.3.1 Organisational decision-making
5.2.3.2 Entrepreneurial decision-making
5.3 INTERPRETATION OF RESULTS
5.3.1 KNOWLEDGE AND FEELING ABOUT INCUBATORS
5.3.2 TIME OF ACTION
5.3.3 TRIGGER FOR ACTION
5.3.4 INFORMATION CHANNELS
5.3.5 SELECTION PROCESS
5.3.6 CRITERIA OF CHOICE
5.3.7 TIME HORIZON OF APPLICATION PROCESS
5.3.8 SATISFACTION WITH CHOSEN INCUBATOR
5.3.9 USE OF COACHING
5.3.10 INCUBATION IMPROVEMENTS
5.3.11 SUGGESTIONS TO START-UPS
5.3.12 CONCLUSION
5.4 INTRODUCTION OF FRAMEWORK
5.5 LIMITATIONS
5.6 FURTHER RESEARCH
6 CONCLUSION
7 REFLECTION
8 REFERENCE LIST
9 APPENDICES
Research Objectives and Focus Areas
This thesis investigates the decision-making process of Swiss start-ups when selecting an incubator in Zurich, addressing a gap in existing literature that primarily focuses on incubator performance rather than the user's selection process.
- Identification of the primary triggers that prompt start-ups to seek out an incubator.
- Analysis of information channels and methods used by entrepreneurs to gather data on available incubators.
- Determination of the specific criteria—such as infrastructure, location, or networking—that drive the final decision.
- Development of a conceptual framework that offers guidance for both existing and future incubators to better align their services with start-up needs.
Excerpt from the Publication
2.5.4 Decision-making process
In general Pomerol (2012) suggested the decision-making process begins by recognising the state of nature, which means neglecting governmental, political or lawful influences that are exposed with every day. Furthermore, an important aspect is the scenario building of the potential future, which is called the projection phase. In that phase the decision-maker anticipates potential outcomes and probabilities. For each action one expects a certain result. According to one's preferences an action will be chosen.
On the other hand, there are decisions that are made through recognising past experiences and happenings. Such decisions are called case-based reasoning. Pomerol (2012) stated that once a decision has been made leading to a bad experience, any following similar situation will automatically make us decide the same way as we experienced in the first situation. Case-based reasoning is especially found in the area of medicine where doctors use symptoms as predictions for the identification of diseases and treatments. However, it is also common in other professional areas, where individuals adapt certain behaviour through learning. However, the risk with that decision-making behaviour is that individuals neglect the environment around them, which may have changed in the meantime. Thus, adapting decisions from former experiences are no longer good decisions and are likely to harm the decision-maker with the result.
Summary of Key Chapters
1 INTRODUCTION: This chapter defines the research scope, identifies the gap in the literature regarding the incubator selection process, and outlines the objectives of the study.
2 LITERATURE REVIEW: This chapter provides a comprehensive overview of existing theories on incubation, start-up dynamics in Switzerland, and decision-making theories.
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY: This section justifies the choice of a qualitative, inductive research approach based on semi-structured interviews with 10 start-ups.
4 RESULTS AND ANALYSIS OF DATA COLLECTION: This chapter presents the raw findings from the interviews, structured by identified themes such as triggers, selection criteria, and satisfaction.
5 DISCUSSION: This chapter interprets the findings, comparing them with existing literature and introducing a new framework for incubator-start-up alignment.
6 CONCLUSION: This chapter synthesizes the study's findings and confirms that the decision-making process for incubator selection is highly individualistic and often triggered by tangible needs like infrastructure.
Keywords
Start-ups, Incubators, Decision-making process, Switzerland, Zurich, Infrastructure, Networking, Entrepreneurship, Business Incubation, Qualitative research, Incubator selection, Incubatees, Technology start-ups, Business support, Management.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this research?
The research investigates how Swiss start-ups, specifically in the Zurich region, approach the decision-making process when selecting a business incubator.
What are the primary thematic areas?
The core themes include the identification of triggers for incubator search, the analysis of information channels used by entrepreneurs, and the evaluation of decision criteria such as office space and networking.
What is the primary research question?
The study is guided by the question: "What is the decision-making process of start-ups when selecting an incubator in Switzerland?"
Which methodology was applied?
A qualitative approach was used, utilizing semi-structured, in-depth interviews with the founders of 10 different start-ups to gain granular insights into their specific decision paths.
What does the main body cover?
The main body covers a comprehensive literature review on incubation and decision theory, a detailed description of the chosen research methodology, and a thematic analysis of the collected interview data.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include start-ups, incubators, decision-making, Switzerland, infrastructure, and networking.
Why is the "infrastructure" trigger so critical in this research?
The findings indicate that most start-ups are primarily driven by the immediate need for physical office space, meeting rooms, and shared facilities rather than intangible benefits like coaching, especially in the early stages.
How does the framework developed by the author help incubators?
The framework acts as a guideline, suggesting that incubators should prioritize transparency on their websites, focus on offering flexible infrastructure, and foster networking environments to better attract and support start-ups.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Isabelle Habegger (Autor:in), 2015, Decision-making process of start-ups during their incubator choice in Switzerland, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/307361
