Entrepreneurial support systems: role of the Czech accelerator

Abstract

The role of institutional context in affecting entrepreneurship and innovation has received scant attention. This paper examines the effect of one such institutional structure, the Czech Accelerator program, in developing entrepreneurial activity and innovation in Czech participating firms. Using a questionnaire and follow up interviews with participants, interviews with Czech Accelerator program and archival data sources, this study provides evidence to the facilitative role of an accelerator on the front end of innovation in firms participating with the accelerator's program. However, the data does not provide any evidence of growth in revenues, growth in sales, or securing venture funding by firms participating in the accelerator's program. These findings have implications for policymakers and business leaders in the Czech Republic and other middle-income economies to support their innovation and entrepreneurial activity.