Business Incubators and Start-up Ecosystems in Indonesia: The Role of Digital Social Innovation, Dr Diesyana Pramesti, Dr Catur Sugiarto, Dr Imam Putra, Benita Purnamasari, Alhadi Saputra, Harlin Turiah
Dr Diesyana Ajeng Pramesti
Master of Management and Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Economic and Business, Universitas Muhammadiyah Magelang
Center for Digital Economy, Marketing, and Consumer Insight (CDEMCI), Faculty of Economic and Business, Universitas Sebelas Maret
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0002-6111-9254
Dr Catur Sugiarto
Center for Digital Economy, Marketing, and Consumer Insight (CDEMCI), Faculty of Economic and Business
Universitas Sebelas Maret
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0003-1804-707X
Dr Imam Radianto Anwar Setia Putra
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0001-5906-4496
Benita Dian Purnamasari
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0003-1106-8601
Alhadi Saputra
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Pelita Bangsa
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0002-9460-1434
Harlin Turiah
National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN)
Indonesia
ORCID: 0000-0002-0608-0684
Paper Type: Research
Received: 26 February 2025 / Revised: 22 August 2025 / Accepted: 24 August 2025 / Published: 16 September 2025
DOI: 10.47556/J.WJEMSD.21.4.2025.3
Purpose: This study examines how business incubators foster Digital Social Innovation (DSI) in Indonesian start-ups by enhancing network services, capital support, and training programmes to promote entrepreneurship and growth.
Design/Methodology/Approach: This study employed a quantitative survey to analyse data from 190 start-up respondents. The variables used in this study include network services, capital support, training programmes, and government regulations and innovation ecosystems.
Findings: Business incubators significantly contribute to entrepreneurship development and DSI by offering mentorship, facilitating networks, providing essential resources, supporting innovation, and fostering collaboration, thereby enhancing start-up sustainability and societal impact.
Originality/Value of the Paper: This study links business incubation and DSI in Indonesia, providing insights for leveraging digital platforms for economic and social impact.
Practical Implications: The study highlights strategies such as mentorship, networking, and resource access to help start-ups tackle societal challenges and ensure long-term success.
Keywords: Business Incubator; Digital Social Innovation; Start-up Growth; Entrepreneurship; Business; Innovation Ecosystem.
Citation: Pramesti, D. A., Sugiarto, C., Putra, I. R. A. S., Purnamasari, B. D., Saputra, A. and Turiah, H. (2025): Business Incubators and Startup Ecosystems in Indonesia: The Role of Digital Social Innovation (DSI). World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD), Vol. 21, No. 4, pp. 321-338.
