Innovative integration between incubated startups and universities to achieve continuous competitive advantages in dynamic enviroments

Abstract

This article intents to show an approach of integration between startups and the university through the generation and diffusion of scientific and applied knowledge. The goals of this paper are to: (i) disseminate innovative management practices in companies that belong to business incubators; (ii) narrow the relation between theory and practice in business management education, especially in dynamic environments; (iii) create a favorable environment for students of the Business school to develop the necessary skills of management through the active learning, while entrepreneurs of incubated startups can think over their management processes. This purpose is achieved through a constructivist approach to active learning with the dynamic participation of undergraduate students of the Business course, under the supervision of a professor-facilitator and the engagement of managers of business start-ups. The article presents the results of exploratory cases that aimed to understand management problems of incubated startups in the Technological MIDI incubator.  Then the article proposes a decision model to assist entrepreneurs, and relying on their values and preferences. The research introduces innovation in the management view as it presents the use of the Lean Startup approach supporting a constructivist decision making model to evaluate and plan alternative actions. In addition, it also presents an innovative integration approach between incubated companies and universities, in which the startup can acquire the knowledge of business strategies present in the business school to improve their performance and students can take advantage of active and practical learning gaining knowledge applicable in their academic and professional life.