Abstract
By reviewing the contemporary studies on business incubators of the Western Countries, and based on the trends of business incubators in the U.S., we clarified the evolution of discussion about business incubators, and presented the applicability of the findings in Japan.
Research and study on business incubators began in the Western Countries in the 1980s. Its definition and component were then organized, and a theoretical base was established. Furthermore, the 1990s saw substantial development in research and study, and an accumulated common data was established.
The discussion on business incubators focused on three items: component, availability and feasibility. Major issues raised include: availability of business sites, examination of the availability of start-ups, and the method of setting feasibility levels.
