This work aims to verify how Brazilian technology incubators contribute to the internationalization of incubated companies from the point of view of their management. To meet this objective we developed a model that, in addition to supporting this study, could provide a basis for studies of internationalization in small technology-based companies and incubators and assist their management. The model was based on the literature on two relevant areas of work: first, a survey was carried out on the factors influencing the internationalization of enterprises, especially micro and small technology-based companies; second, aspects of the process of incubation of technology ventures were examined, as well as the actions and services provided by incubators. A descriptive study was conducted of 40 technology incubators in Brazil (50% of the total) which met the following criteria: be in effective operation for a period longer than two years, and have graduated at least one company. These questionnaires showed that 40% of the incubators in the sample have formal programs focused on the internationalization of incubation, and 60% have actually started the process of internationalization. The results showed a positive relationship between incubation and internationalization. The survey provided indications of actions and services that are effective for the internationalization of companies.
internationalization; technology incubators; incubated companies
