Abstract for: A System Dynamics Analysis of a Business Incubator: The New England Ocean Cluster House

Business incubators have received little attention from system dynamicists. The only system dynamics study of incubators focused less on how to run an incubator and more on how to use them as part of a national innovation system. The present paper fills part of this gap with a focused system dynamics analysis of one freestanding business incubator—the New England Ocean Cluster (NEOC). NEOC’s long-term goals include evolving New England ocean resource industries into an environment more hospitable to entrepreneurs, and more conducive of innovation, by relying heavily on collaboration among incubator clients. A system dynamics analysis of the NEOC revealed significant financial challenges with its business model. It also showed the fundamental importance to the business model of intense collaboration among clients.