Innovation value creation contribution of incubation centers in the university

Incubation centers are established within universities for a strategy that aims to facilitate new initiatives, accelerate development processes, and ensure their sustainability. The most critical point underlying this notion is the value of benefiting from the university's institutions, facilities, highly qualified researchers and academicians, in addition to the concentration of companies and resources in a single location. This study has examined the value created by university-based incubation centers in terms of innovation. For this, both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods were used. The sample comprises university-based incubation centers operating in the Eastern and Southern Marmara region. For qualitative data collection, face-to-face interviews were conducted with authorized employees in the incubation centers. Interviews were transcribed and analyzed utilizing thematic analysis and coding. Quantitative data was collected through a 40-item questionnaire prepared by using three different scales and administered to 252 company executives in the incubation centers and technoparks in the sample universities. Results were analyzed using anova test, correlation and simple regression analysis and compared with data generated from interviews. All hypotheses have been supported, pointing to the conclusion that incubation centers, by generating many advantages such as tax immunity, rental allowance and mentor support for entrepreneurs, play an effective role in creating innovative value.