The findings of the research indicate a relatively low level of practical business skills
and business experience exhibited by Saudi graduates and the weak relationship between
academia and the private sector. The links between education and business were also shown
to be lacking. From the results it would seem that, any Saudi incubator programme would
need to take into account these deficiencies. Poor links between academia and business deprives business of the expertise and research knowledge. Furthermore, the findings showed
the lack of primary tools that could enable small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to grow and
develop. These include lack of funds and credit options, and poor networking. Thus.
incubators could have the potential to provide an improvement to the Saudi SMEs. The
research shows that numerous business incubation criteria are met in Saudi Arabia and that
the Jeddah Business Incubator has been a success. However, important shortfalls are
identified, e.g. the unsatisfactory university-business cooperation, deficiencies in the
curriculum and the lack of knowledge of the support for SMEs that could be obtained in
Saudi Arabia. Most of the findings of this study are consistent with the previous body of
research in this subject. Based on the study results, it is proposed that; more effort should be
exerted on softer services such as networking; academics business links (closer interactions
between academic research and industry) relative to the provision of physical space and hard
infrastructure. In addition, there should be a clear focus on economic and business
development goals, continuing relationships with external funding agencies will also be
required. Incubators will need to be a source of direct funding for tenants firms. Furthermore,
the business incubator has to market itself, and has to use the media in order to create an
attractive images of it self.
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