Study goals
To analyze, from the perspective of sustainable startup managers, which structures and initiatives of a Science and Technology Park (STP) contribute to the development and consolidation of these ventures, considering their articulation with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Relevance / originality
This research addresses a gap in the literature by investigating, from the perspective of managers, how STPs concretely contribute to strengthening sustainability-focused startups, proposing a dialogue between innovation, sustainable development, and the goals of the 2030 Agenda.
Methodology / approach
This is an instrumental case study with a qualitative approach, exploratory and descriptive in nature, based on semi-structured interviews with managers of sustainable startups and an institutional manager, analyzed through Thematic Content Analysis.
Main results
Startups value the innovative environment of STPs, highlighting institutional legitimacy, networks, and infrastructure. However, they point to a lack of formal incentives for sustainability, indicating the need for specific strategies to strengthen businesses with a socio-environmental impact within these ecosystems.
Theoretical / methodological contributions
The article proposes a critical analysis of the limits and potential of PCTs as ecosystems supporting sustainable entrepreneurship, combining inductive and deductive coding to reveal contradictions between institutional discourse and effective support practices.
Social / management contributions
PCTs are recommended to create calls for proposals and financing lines focused on sustainability, formalize mentoring programs aimed at sustainable businesses, implement metrics to assess socio-environmental impact, and strengthen institutional communication, with an emphasis on publicizing initiatives within the community.