The contribution of entrepreneurship centers and business incubators to the Ecuadorian entrepreneurial ecosystem

Introduction: Entrepreneurship centers and business incubators play a crucial role in fostering competitiveness, the emergence of new activities, and self-employment, there- by promoting social cohesion within countries. This research aims to identify the main business incubators and entrepreneurship centers in Ecuador and to assess their key contributions to the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Methodology: This study adopts a qualitative research approach, employing an exploratory-descriptive methodology. Through the collection of data from secondary sources, the study identifies Ecuadorian business incubators, their affiliations with public and private organizations, their primary activities, impacts, and capacities. Results: Nationwide, 28 entrepreneurship centers, both public and private, were identified. The majority are dedicated to guiding entrepreneurs in developing their business models, whether in the initial stages or during expansion, through advisory services, training in various fields, and even financing. Conclusions: While there is evident close collaboration between academia and the private sector, current efforts prioritize promoting the entrepreneurial spirit over the practical implementation of ideas, project capitalization, or addressing specific industrial or social challenges. Therefore, it is necessary to balance these efforts to ensure that entrepreneurial initiatives are not only encouraged but also realized and generate a tangible impact.