In the fast growing population around the world today, SMEs play an important role as
one of the powerful forces in economic development and an accelerator of economic growth.
Their role in growth and development is demonstrated by the volume of literature dedicated to
the subject. Like many other countries, Saudi Arabia considers SMEs as one of the principal
driving forces of economic development. While SMEs playa significant role in the acceleration
of economic growth, however, their growth and success is confronted by many obstacles.
Incubators can be considered as a remedy for the disadvantages encountered by SMEs by
providing numerous business support services and fostering technological innovation and
industrial renewal (Smilor and Gill, 1984; Mian, 1994a, 1994b, 1997). It is an innovative
methodology that creates new entrepreneurial skills and new businesses. Also, it is considered as one of the popular tools in assisting SMEs to cope with challenges. Consequently. many
countries have increasingly been engaged in establishing incubators.