STARTUP ACCELERATORS: RESEARCH DIRECTIONS AND GAPS

Abstract

Over the past years, startup accelerators have become popular. The research aims to systematize startup acceleration knowledge. The goal is attained through 1) analysis of the current state of the art concerning startup accelerators, 2) mapping and synthesis of current research efforts, and 3) identification of gaps and opportunities for further research. This paper is based on systematic network analysis methodology, which combines a systematic literature review with literature network research. The Scopus database was used to develop a comprehensive review of the study findings. VOSviewer was used to carry out bibliographic
network analyses focusing on a hand-picked group of articles. Citespace was used to carry out the analysis and set up a visualization of the co-citation network. This paper provides a literature review of existing studies on start-up accelerators. Many authors discuss the operation of accelerators, the interaction between corporations and startups and examine the impact of cooperation on the startup ecosystem. Moreover, a significant number of publications deal with performance evaluation and activity of startups supported by accelerators, as well as the analysis of drivers of planning, operation and development of startups. Nevertheless,
none of the publications included in the Scopus database aimed to comprehensively analyze startup acceleration and systematize the output of researchers in this field.