DOES THE INCUBATION PROCESS ASSIST ADAPTIVE, ABSORPTIVE AND INNOVATIVE CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT? MULTIPLE CASES STUDIES IN THE TRIÂNGULO MINEIRO AND ALTO PARANAÍBA REGION

Purpose: This article aimed to analyze the role of business incubators in the region of Triângulo Mineiro and Alto Paranaíba-MG, with incubated small business in support them to access resources and capabilities to develop adaptive, absorptive and innovative capabilities, based on dynamic capabilities hierarchy (Wang & Ahmed, 2007). Design/Methodology: To achieve this goal, we did a qualitative and descriptive research with multiple case studies in 3 incubators and 23 incubated small companies. Originality/Relevance: Information, strategies, technologies and resources do not necessarily contribute to the generation of competitive advantage of small business. In this sense, the support of technology-based business incubators should assist incubated small companies to create competitive advantages and stimulate their growth. As the government, according to ANPROTEC (2017), funds most incubators, accelerators and technological parks directly or indirectly the validation of the results and effectiveness of such investments is important, in promoting the innovation culture, job creation and the income that new businesses offer to society Findings: The results indicate the development of adaptive, absorptive and innovate capacities based in the promotion of an environment of innovation, knowledge and of experience of incubators managers and consultants (monitoring/mentoring), promoting networking to achieve information, knowledge and opportunities, and positive image of incubators. Theoretical/methodological Contributions: These findings contribute to the advancement of studies on the importance of inter-organizational relations as propelling the development of dynamic capabilities, as well as in the discussion of the results of the actions of the incubators. It is suggested, therefore, that ANPROTEC could consider incorporating this theoretical approach in its CERNE method to create performance indicators of adaptive, absorptive and innovative capabilities developed from processes and practices adopted by incubators.