Key features of pre-incubation in higher education institutes

Key features of pre-incubation in higher education institutes are analysed, by examining good practices in supporting potential entrepreneurs to turn a science or technology-based business idea into a viable business. Key features of the Living Lab approach in the innovation process are also examined in order to identify elements that can be adopted during the pre-incubation process, with the aim of facilitating the definition of the market potential of an innovative business idea at an early stage. Recommendations for transferring good practice elements of pre incubation and the Living Lab approach are presented, focusing on environments with specific contextual characteristics of entrepreneurship, policy making and innovation system, as in the case of certain Greek regions.