By chance or by strategy? The coevolution of startups and accelerators in the case of Taiwan

Abstract

Startups are key drivers of economic growth, and entrepreneurial intermediaries like accelerators play a crucial role. However, their success in coaching startup development is not always guaranteed. Despite extensive literature discussing startups and accelerators, the detailed mechanisms of interaction between startups and accelerators that ensure growth remain poorly understood. This study adopts complex adaptive systems theory to examine the coevolution of startups and accelerators in the context of Taiwan. The results contribute to the field of entrepreneurship by expanding our understanding of the intricate relationship between startups and accelerators, which is critical for their respective transitions. Our findings inform policymakers, entrepreneurs, and accelerator operators on how to optimize their operations and maximize impacts in a resource-limited small and medium-sized economy, aiming to pursue entrepreneurial innovation and transition. We also identify and elaborate the key transitional elements and four coevolving stages for accelerators in the discussion and conclusion.