Business-incubation as a catalyst for start-up success in emerging markets: Entrepreneurial bricolage versus dynamic capabilities

This study examines the role of business incubators in supporting start-ups in emerging markets, where resource limitations require entrepreneurs to either rely on entrepreneurial bricolage or invest in developing dynamic capabilities in their early stages. While prior research has explored incubators, less attention has been given to how they help start-ups move beyond static short-term bricolage toward building long-term dynamic capabilities under resource-constrained conditions. Using data from 403 start-ups, the study tests the moderating effect of incubator support on the relationship between bricolage, dynamic capabilities, and venture performance. The findings suggest that incubators significantly strengthen the positive impact of dynamic capabilities on start-up performance compared to that of bricolage. In emerging markets, incubators thus enable start-ups to cultivate adaptive, growth-oriented capabilities rather than relying solely on static bricolage practices. The study offers implications for policymakers, founders, and incubator managers seeking to promote sustainable start-up development and scaling.