# The role of business incubators in supporting entrepreneurship in Algeria - The Valley Business Incubator is a model-

GHERBI Laid

gherbi-laid@univ-eloued.dz

University of El Oued (Algeria)

Submitted:15/10/2023

Accepted:29/11/2023

Published:30/12/2023

## Abstract:

This study aims to shed light on the role of business incubators in supporting entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship development in the university environment, as incubators are considered one of the most important support and accompaniment mechanisms that contribute to the development of entrepreneurial projects. The study adopted a case study approach through the preparation and development of a questionnaire, which was distributed. The study concluded that Algeria is striving to develop a diverse and integrated system to support, accompany and promote entrepreneurship in various aspects that affect it directly or indirectly. The business incubator at the University of the Valley is one of the most important of these mechanisms, as there is a positive impact of the business incubator's activity on entrepreneurship among students at the University of the Valley.

**Key words:** entrepreneurship, business incubator, support and accompaniment mechanisms, University of the Valley.

**JEL Classification Codes:** L26 ; L31; D2; O3.
**Introduction:**

Many European studies on entrepreneurship found a lot of interest in the United States of America, which was on its way to becoming a giant economic power, and here many names emerged of American economists who continued research and studies on the subject of entrepreneurship, and among the most famous economists and researchers on this subject are ( Frank Kinight 1885-1972) who conducted several studies on risks, profits, risk, and uncertainty, which he presented in 1916 and revised in 1921. This study resulted in a distinction between uncertainty and risk. It also adopts the point of view that the entrepreneur's skill depends on his ability to deal with the skepticism and uncertainty that prevail in a particular society. According to J. Schumpeter (1883-1950), he moved towards the approach that says that the economic system consisting of the supply and demand sides is in a state Balance, and the entrepreneur seeks to break that balance that dominates economic systems by introducing new innovations. Schumpeter (1911) described this process with the term "creative destruction."

The process of supporting entrepreneurship and creating creative and innovative projects is considered one of the greatest challenges for countries in this era, which has made most countries focus on providing all mechanisms, laws and bodies that assist and accompany this process. The most prominent of these supportive mechanisms are university business incubators, which are considered incubators that work to Supporting, guiding and raising the success rates of new business projects undertaken by pioneers. Working with the idea of incubators in communities seeks to create a suitable work environment for small investors, creators, innovators, inventors and university graduates, from which the following problem can be raised:

What is the role of the Business Incubator at El Oued University in supporting student entrepreneurship?

- The importance of the study and its objectives:

The importance of the study stems from the importance of the position of business incubators in supporting entrepreneurship, as they are supposed to contribute significantly to the development of entrepreneurial projects and to diversify the national economy. This study also aims to measure the extent to which business incubators contribute to supporting entrepreneurship at the University of the Valley.

- Research Methodology:

The descriptive analytical approach was relied upon in proportion to the nature of the problem being addressed by collecting and analyzing data to reach valid results, and

<figure><img src="image_1.png" /></figure>
the case study approach by distributing a questionnaire at the University Business
Incubator at the University of the Valley.

**1- The theoretical approach to business incubators:**

Support mechanisms are a set of material and non-material measures taken in order to provide a suitable business environment, encourage investments, improve the organization's competitiveness in the market and raise its economic and financial performance to ensure survival. In this context, the public authorities have made significant efforts since 1998 to enhance the importance and role of entrepreneurial projects in the national economy, after this sector was marginalized throughout the period of the planned economy. Algeria has implemented a set of reform policies and programs within the framework of economic reform, through a rehabilitation policy. Small and medium enterprises, and some of these programs are specifically directed to entrepreneurship, which is what business incubators work to achieve and reach a higher level of entrepreneurship.

**1-1- The concept of business incubators:**

There are several definitions that clarify the concept of incubators, including the
following:

- **Definition of the National Business Incubators Association (NBIA):** An economic development tool designed to accelerate the growth and success of business enterprises, through a system of sources, services, support and business support. The primary goal of business incubators is to produce successful enterprises that leave the incubator program financially capable of growth and continuity. (Nabil Morsi, 1998, p. 135)

- **Definition of the European Commission:** According to the European Commission, business incubators or institutional nurseries are a place where newly established institutions are based in a limited space, with the aim of increasing their chances of growth and success rate, with the help of a standard building that contains common equipment: telephone, fax, automated media devices) and provides them with management assistance and support services, aiming primarily at local development, job creation, and, on a marginal basis, technology transfer.(., Marina, & Sherry, 2000, p. 95).

**1-2- Objectives of business incubators:** Business incubators aim to help emerging creative institutions and new entrepreneurs, and provide them with the necessary means and support, expertise, places, and financial support to overcome the burdens and stages of launch and establishment that may last a year or two. They also carry out
marketing and dissemination of products for these institutions. (Belaidi & Maklati, p. 326)

The Business Incubators Authority aims to help emerging creative institutions and new businessmen, and provide them with the necessary means and support, expertise, places, and financial support to overcome the burdens and stages of launch and establishment that may last a year or two. It also carries out marketing and dissemination of products for these institutions.

Incubators work to create mental images of success for young entrepreneurs, by providing services and assistance related to the establishment and growth stage. They also aim to support economic development and develop the spirit of entrepreneurship and risk-taking among new investors and businessmen. The objectives of business incubators can be divided as follows: (Khalaf, 2021)

- **Objectives related to the startup:** - Reducing business risks and costs associated with the first stages of starting the activity.

- Finding appropriate solutions to the technical, financial, administrative and legal problems facing the project.

- It helps the organization to come up with new products or areas of activities, and supports cooperation and coordination between the various incubated projects.

- Working to improve the chances of project success, encouraging innovative ideas, and helping graduates obtain job opportunities.

- **Objectives related to economic and social development:**

- Working to create and increase new job opportunities, especially for those with competencies and talents, and directing the younger generation and businessmen towards high-tech projects.

- The tendency to increase the number of institutions and encourage industries, especially those based on modern technology, which leads to the development of the national economy.

- Working to raise income rates in the local community in a way that contributes to improving the standard of living of individuals, by revitalizing neighborhoods and residential areas, as well as marketing technologies and strengthening local and national economies.

- Supporting institutions needed by local and foreign markets and identifying appropriate places to establish such institutions.

- Assistance in marketing research and studies carried out by universities and scientific research centers that are acceptable for commercial adoption.

Among the roles that the incubator can play are the following: (Zouda, 2017, p. 493)

<figure><img src="image_2.png" /></figure>
- Encouraging non-traditional and adventurous investors to create their own companies, which are described as venture capital companies.

- Providing services to institutions inside and outside incubators;

- Promoting a culture of leadership, creativity and innovation;

- Supporting and assisting small and medium enterprises in facing the difficulties of the launch and establishment stage;

- Develop self-employment skills and the ability to manage the project independently;

- The reliability of the project's success through the comprehensive services provided by the incubator;

- Creating and increasing job opportunities, especially for those with competencies and talents;

- Sponsoring and assisting new projects in the start-up, growth and success phase;

- Linking and integrating large projects with small ones to work on their development as marketers of small project products.

**1-3- Factors for the success of business incubators:** Business incubators, like any administrative entity, require the success of a package of auxiliary factors, and this is what will be addressed through this element: (Abu Qahf, 2011, p. 196)

- The competence of the incubator manager and his connection to the work in the incubator: The incubator manager plays an essential role in the success of the incubator. Although the project participants may have technical experience and dedication to work, managing a new project requires various skills that small projects need in terms of project planning, marketing and accounting.

- Abundance of the necessary funding: Studies must be carried out before starting any project and observing the extent of its applicability, conducting studies to avoid making mistakes, and observing the extent of the possibility of embracing it by the incubator through the available resources that the incubator can provide.

- Involving the private sector in new investments: Trying to involve the private sector in new investments that carry a risk in terms of their success and reducing the losses incurred by the state in this type of project.

- Creating mental images of success: Creating a mental image of success is considered an essential factor in the development of the incubator, and helps speed up the integration of the incubator into the community or surrounding area and easily attract resources and partners, and helps small projects gain credibility and attract new projects with stronger potential and this can be accessed.

<figure><img src="image_3.png" /></figure>
**2- The theoretical approach to entrepreneurship:**

**2-1- The concept of entrepreneurship:** Scientists and researchers have tried to develop a stereotypical image of the entrepreneur by identifying his psychological characteristics and behaviors in addition to their motives, motivators, and even their paths and origins. They even went further in their attempts to develop a comprehensive template for entrepreneurs, as they researched the personal data and CVs of these people, with the aim of finding factors. Common and shared among this category. (David & Ereel, 2006, p. 09)

On the other hand, the situational thinking school has emerged, which links the characteristics that must be provided in entrepreneurship and the environment in which the company operates and the prevailing situations that it faces. The personal characteristics of this category were formulated through the sum of interactions between individuals and their environment, and within the framework of this interaction they play. The experiences, life situations, and expressions that accompany individuals' lives play an important and major role. Therefore, individuals' display of entrepreneurial behavior is due to the changes that occur in their lives, and this is what makes it difficult to determine its effects on the individuals' personal characteristics. (Alaa & Zidan, 2007)

Lefebvre believes that strategic procedures cannot be studied without taking into account the personal characteristics of the entrepreneur, because the strategic management of the organization is strongly influenced by these characteristics (Elisabth Lefebver, 1991), and the medium- and long-term strategy of the organization will be strongly influenced by the personal and family concerns of the entrepreneur (Agnès Paradas, 1996, and Daft views entrepreneurial characteristics as a set of personal and behavioral traits associated with the entrepreneur, such as the ability to self-control, high self-confidence, flexibility of thinking, and risk tolerance (Richard L. Daft, 2008).

The entrepreneurial orientation of students and graduates is linked according to the process of entrepreneurial education that the student receives at different stages of the learning process. Entrepreneurial education consists of the process by which individuals acquire and assimilate newly formed knowledge with previously existing knowledge and structures, (algre, 2014, p. 124) which is the set of formal teachings that train Anyone interested in creating private projects or developing small businesses can learn. (Colim, 2004, p. 417).

**2-2- Models that explain the entrepreneurial spirit:** The two most important models used by many researchers who adopted this approach in order to explain and predict the behavior of individuals are the “Azjen” theory of planned behavior, which

<figure><img src="image_4.png" /></figure>
summarizes the entrepreneurial orientation of individuals as cognitive stages in which the individual's will interacts with surrounding factors, and the second is the event formation model. Shapero et Sokol's Entrepreneurship Model, more commonly known as the Social Dimensions of Entrepreneurship Model.

Years later, Azgen reached an important observation that behaviors were not entirely under the person's control, so he decided to add a new variable to the previous theoretical model.

Entrepreneurs help bring about change through innovation, as developed, innovative and new products contribute to developing and increasing new markets. They also represent an essential source of gross product growth, improving the economic situation of the individual, self-employment, and generating a spirit of entrepreneurship and competition among students. (Yarkin & .Y, 2016, p. 128).

**3- The applied aspect of the study:**

**3-1-Determining the study population and sample:** The study population is defined as a group of people, or clearly defined documents, which the researcher is interested in studying and evaluating the research on. (Maluki, 2021, p. 153) "As for this study, the study population is represented by Algerian business incubators, and 40 initial questionnaires were distributed to a reconnaissance sample and all of them were retrieved and were Suitable for treatment, in order to ensure the validity and reliability of the study tool, and after conducting validity and reliability tests and ensuring the validity of the tool for the study, the questionnaire was distributed to the target sample, who are the students present at the business incubator at the University of the Valley, where 195 questionnaires were distributed to students and 175 of them were retrieved and can be analyzed. Statistician.

**3-2- Validity of the study tool:** The degree of internal consistency can be measured by calculating the correlation coefficients between each of the questionnaire phrases and the total score of the axis or dimension to which this phrase belongs. The following table shows the correlation coefficients between each of the paragraphs of the first axis (business incubators) and the total score of the axis:

<figure><img src="image_5.png" /></figure>
<table><caption>**Table No 1:** Correlation coefficients between the score of each item and the total score for the first axis (business incubators)</caption><thead><tr><td>Indicative value Sig</td><td>Correlation coefficient pearson</td><td>B-i-axis paragraphs</td><td>Indicative value Sig</td><td>Correlation coefficient pearson</td><td>B-i-axis paragraphs</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.666**</td><td>8</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.626**</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.438**</td><td>9</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.618**</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.575**</td><td>10</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.648**</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.587**</td><td>11</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.550**</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.654**</td><td>12</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.581**</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.644**</td><td>13</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.550**</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td></td><td></td><td></td><td>0.001</td><td>0.668**</td><td>7</td></tr></tbody></table>

**The correlation is statistically significant at the 0.01 level**

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of SPSS version 25.

We find that all Pearson correlation coefficients between the paragraphs of the first axis, "Business incubators," and the total score of the first axis are statistically significant at a significance level of 0.01 for all statements, as we recorded the upper limit of the correlation coefficients in the seventh statement (the incubator works to encourage students interested in fields of creativity and innovation) with a value of 0.668. **While we recorded the minimum correlation coefficient with a value of 0.438** for the ninth statement (The business incubator in Al Wadi helps the incubates overcome the stage of danger that they may be exposed to in the early stages); Accordingly, all paragraphs of the first axis are internally consistent with the axis to which they belong, which proves the validity of the internal consistency of the paragraphs of the first axis (business incubators).

<table><caption>**Table No. 2:** Correlation coefficients between the score of each item and the total score for the second axis (Entrepreneurship)</caption><thead><tr><td>Correlation coefficient Sig</td><td>Correlation coefficient</td><td>E-theme paragraphs</td><td>Correlation coefficient Sig</td><td>Correlation coefficient</td><td>E-theme paragraphs</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.642**</td><td>6</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.571**</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.672**</td><td>7</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.678**</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.727**</td><td>8</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.629**</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.642**</td><td>9</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.597**</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>0.562**</td><td>10</td><td>0.001</td><td>0.601**</td><td>5</td></tr></tbody></table>

The correlation rate is statistically significant at the 0.01 level

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of SPSS version 25.

<figure><img src="image_6.png" /></figure>
We find that all Pearson correlation coefficients between the items of the second axis (entrepreneurship) and the total score of the second axis are statistically significant at a significance level of 0.01 for all statements, as we recorded the upper limit of the correlation coefficients in statement No. 8 with a value of 0.727, while we recorded the minimum correlation coefficients with a value of 0.562. For phrase 10; Accordingly, all paragraphs of the second axis are internally consistent with the axis to which they belong, which proves the validity of the internal consistency of the paragraphs of the second axis (entrepreneurship).

1-4- Stability of the study tool:

The reliability of the adopted questionnaire was verified using Cronbach's alpha coefficient, and the following results were revealed:

<table><caption>Table No. 3: Measuring the reliability of the questionnaire
(Cronbach's Alpha coefficient)</caption><thead><tr><td>Cronbach's alpha coefficient</td><td>Number of phrases</td><td>The hub</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.850</td><td>13</td><td>Business Incubators</td></tr><tr><td>0.827</td><td>10</td><td>leading businesses</td></tr><tr><td>0.853</td><td>23</td><td>The total</td></tr></tbody></table>

Source: Prepared by the researcher based on the results of SPSS version 25.

It is clear from the table that the Cronbach's alpha coefficient reached 0.850 for the business incubators axis, which means that there is high reliability for the questionnaire tool in measuring this axis. The Cronbach's alpha coefficient also reached a value of 0.827 for the entrepreneurship axis, which indicates that it has high reliability.

It is also clear from the table that the general reliability coefficient for the study's axes is high, reaching 0.853 for the total questionnaire items, estimated at 23 items. This indicates that the questionnaire has a high degree of reliability and can be relied upon in the field application of the study.

3-5- Describing the personal characteristics of sample individuals:

The following table summarizes the characteristics of the surveyed sample, estimated at 174 individuals:

<figure><img src="image_7.png" /></figure>
<table><caption>**Table No. 04:** Description of the personal characteristics of the sample members</caption><thead><tr><th>Percentage</th><th>Number</th><th>Variable classes</th><th>variable</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>%31</td><td>54</td><td>Male</td><td rowspan="2">Sex</td></tr><tr><td>%69</td><td>120</td><td>Female</td></tr><tr><td>%76.4</td><td>133</td><td>From 20 to 25 years</td><td rowspan="3">lifetime</td></tr><tr><td>%16.1</td><td>28</td><td>From 26 to 33 years</td></tr><tr><td>%7.5</td><td>13</td><td>Over 33 years old</td></tr><tr><td>%26.4</td><td>46</td><td>Bachelor</td><td rowspan="2">Qualification</td></tr><tr><td>%73.6</td><td>128</td><td>Graduate</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of SPSS version 25.

It is clear from the table that in terms of gender, the percentage of males constitutes 31% of the sample studied, while the percentage of females is estimated at 69% of the total sample. As for age, we note that the largest percentage belongs to the group (from 20 to 25 years) with a percentage of 76.4% of the total sample. As for academic qualifications, we find that postgraduate students constitute 73.6% of the sample.

**3-6- Description of the statements of the first axis related to business incubators (the independent variable):**

In order to estimate the level of both business incubators and entrepreneurship and the level of the various expressions used to measure them, arithmetic averages and standard deviations were used as descriptive measures, in addition to a scale of grades for the purpose of judging their level as high, low, or average. The following table helps in this:

<table><caption>**Table No. 05:** Arithmetic average levels according to each field</caption><thead><tr><th>Level</th><th>Arithmetic mean</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>Weak</td><td>From 1 to 2,33</td></tr><tr><td>medium</td><td>From 2.34 to 3.67</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>From 3,68 to 5</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher

The following table shows a measure to describe the concentration (arithmetic mean) and another to describe the dispersion (standard deviation) of the data collected in relation to the first axis (business incubators), which is represented by the sample members' answers to 13 statements suitable for measuring the entrepreneurial spirit among the sample members:

<figure><img src="image_8.png" /></figure>
<table><caption>Table No. 06: The arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the answers of the study sample members regarding the independent variable business incubators</caption><thead><tr><td>Grade</td><td>Order</td><td>Standard deviation</td><td>Arithmetic mean</td><td>Paragraphs</td><td>No</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>High</td><td>2</td><td>0.887</td><td>4.00</td><td>University business incubators in the valley carry out their activities to publicize their role in supporting entrepreneurship.</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>4</td><td>0.956</td><td>3.90</td><td>The incubator organizes several activities within the university to guide students towards entrepreneurship</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>11</td><td>1.038</td><td>3.67</td><td>Al Wadi Incubator seeks to introduce the largest possible number of incubators</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>6</td><td>1.039</td><td>3.86</td><td>The business incubator displays models of successful businessmen and entrepreneurs to transfer their experiences to students</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>medium</td><td>21</td><td>0.942</td><td>3.65</td><td>The Business Incubator is interested in spreading entrepreneurial thought within the university</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>5</td><td>0.854</td><td>3.90</td><td>The incubator in the valley provides assistance by working to provide investment opportunities available to students</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>1</td><td>0.942</td><td>4.14</td><td>The incubator encourages students interested in the fields of creativity and innovation</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>3</td><td>0.962</td><td>3.93</td><td>The University Incubator in the Valley publishes the experiences of successful entrepreneurs to motivate students towards entrepreneurial orientation.</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>8</td><td>1.081</td><td>3.68</td><td>The business incubator in the valley contributes to the incubators to overcome the stage of danger that may be exposed to them in the early stages</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>medium</td><td>13</td><td>1.051</td><td>3.54</td><td>The university incubator in the valley helps to complete the administrative and technical procedures</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>01</td><td>1.081</td><td>3.67</td><td>The incubator seeks to connect projects with important and useful contacts.</td><td>11</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>9</td><td>0.961</td><td>3.76</td><td>The University Business Incubator in the Valley offers training courses for entrepreneurs</td><td>12</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>8</td><td>1.080</td><td>3.76</td><td>The University Incubator in the Valley seeks to provide conditions that help transform creative ideas into entrepreneurial projects</td><td>13</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td></td><td>0.593</td><td>3.804</td><td>Total Business Incubation Hub</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

Source: Prepared by the researcher based on the outputs of SPSS version 25.

After calculating the arithmetic means and standard deviations and determining the levels and ordinal scores corresponding to each of the phrases of the business incubators axis, it becomes clear that most of the averages of the answers to most of the

<figure><img src="image_9.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_10.png" /></figure>
phrases were of a high degree, as the highest arithmetic average reached a value of 4.14 for phrase No. 07, which states (The incubator works to encourage... Students interested in the fields of creativity and innovation) with a standard deviation of less than one (0.942), which supports the statistical significance of this statement. The lowest value of the arithmetic mean was (3.54) for statement No. 10, which is considered average, in addition to a standard deviation of (1.051).

This was reflected in the average of business incubators, where its value was estimated at (3.804), meaning that it is high, in addition to a standard deviation of less than one with a value of (0.593), and this supports the statistical significance of this average, as the closer the value of the standard deviation is to zero, the more expressive the arithmetic average is. About reality.

### 3-7- Description of the phrases of the second axis (entrepreneurship):

The following table shows a measure to describe the concentration of the arithmetic mean and another to describe the dispersion (standard deviation) of the data collected in relation to the second axis (entrepreneurial spirit), which is represented in the sample members' answers to 10 statements.

<table><caption>**Table No. 07:** The arithmetic mean and standard deviation of the answers of the study sample members regarding entrepreneurship (dependent variable)</caption><thead><tr><td>Grade</td><td>Order</td><td>Standard deviation</td><td>Arithmetic mean</td><td>Paragraphs</td><td>No</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>High</td><td>1</td><td>0.750</td><td>4.53</td><td>I feel the desire and will to go to create my own project</td><td>1</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>4</td><td>0.832</td><td>4.35</td><td>I have the ability to turn my ideas into entrepreneurial projects</td><td>2</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>6</td><td>0.864</td><td>4.13</td><td>Have the ability to accomplish tasks that require high qualifications and abilities</td><td>3</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>9</td><td>0.950</td><td>3.93</td><td>I have the ability to take risks related to the project</td><td>4</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>10</td><td>1.229</td><td>3.72</td><td>I am fully prepared to work long hours in order to succeed</td><td>5</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>3</td><td>0.784</td><td>4.41</td><td>I have high goals in order to achieve success in my field</td><td>6</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>2</td><td>0.844</td><td>4.46</td><td>I have high confidence in myself and my abilities to reach what I want</td><td>7</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>7</td><td>0.943</td><td>4.13</td><td>Have the ability to make critical decisions at the right time</td><td>8</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>8</td><td>1.003</td><td>4.02</td><td>I usually try to find creative solutions to the problems I face</td><td>9</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td>5</td><td>0.946</td><td>4.25</td><td>I'm willing to try again in case I fail</td><td>10</td></tr><tr><td>High</td><td></td><td>0.577</td><td>4.193</td><td>Total Entrepreneurship Pillar</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the outputs of SPSS version 25.

<figure><img src="image_11.png" /></figure>

<figure><img src="image_12.png" /></figure>
After calculating the arithmetic means and standard deviations and determining the levels and ordinal degrees corresponding to each of the phrases in the entrepreneurship axis, we found that all the axis phrases corresponded to a high score, as the highest average was phrase No. 01, which states (I feel the desire and will to set out to create my own project), as its arithmetic average reached The value of (4.53) and its standard deviation was estimated at (0.750), while the lowest arithmetic mean was recorded by statement No. 5, which states (I am always ready to work long hours), where its arithmetic mean was (3.72) and its standard deviation was (1.229).

This was reflected in the average of the entrepreneurship axis, which was estimated at (4.193) and with a standard deviation of less than one (0.577), and this supports the significance of this average statistically.

### 3-8- Testing the study hypotheses:

In this section, we will try to test the study hypotheses:

- Testing the first sub-hypothesis: The first sub-hypothesis states that the level of activity of business incubators at the University of the Valley is weak, and this hypothesis can be written statistically as follows:

H0: The average business incubator activity at the University of the Valley is equal to 3 (the default average) at a significance level of 0.05.

H1: The average business incubator activity at the University of the Valley is not equal to 3 (the default average) at a significance level of 0.05.

Using the T-test, the average activity of the business incubator at the University of the Valley was compared with the default average of 3, and the result was as shown in the following two tables:

<table><caption>**Table No. 08:** Arithmetic mean and standard deviation of business incubators activity at the University of the Valley</caption><thead><tr><td>Standard deviation</td><td>Arithmetic mean</td><td>Variable</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.593</td><td>3.804</td><td>Business Incubators</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of the SPSS program.

We note from Table No. 08 that the arithmetic mean for business incubators is 3.804, while the standard deviation is 0.593.

<table><caption>**Table No. 09:** Test comparing the arithmetic mean with the default mean</caption><thead><tr><td>Sig</td><td>Variable</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.001</td><td>Business Incubators</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of the SPSS program.
The Sig value is 0.001, which is less than 0.05, which means rejecting the null hypothesis and accepting the alternative hypothesis, which states that there is a difference between the average activity of the business incubator at the University of the Valley, and since the average of this activity is (3.804), which is a value higher than the hypothetical average. We can say that the first sub-hypothesis is rejected, and what is more correct is that the average incubator activity is relatively high.

**Testing the second sub-hypothesis:** The second sub-hypothesis states that the level of entrepreneurship is average among students of the Faculty of Economic Sciences at the University of the Valley. This hypothesis can be written statistically as follows:

**H0:** The average of entrepreneurship at the University of the Valley is average, i.e. c=3, at a significance level of 0.05.

**H1:** The average of entrepreneurship at the University of the Valley is not average, i.e. c is not equal to 3, at a significance level of 0.05.

Using the T-test, the University of the Valley Entrepreneurship average was compared with the hypothetical average of 3, and the result was as shown in the following two tables:

<table><caption>**Table No. 10:** Arithmetic mean and standard deviation Entrepreneurship at the University of the Valley</caption><thead><tr><td>Standard deviation</td><td>Arithmetic mean</td><td>Variable</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.577</td><td>4.193</td><td>Entrepreneurship</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of the SPSS program.

We note from Table No. 10 that the arithmetic mean for entrepreneurship is 4.193, while the standard deviation is 0.577.

<table><caption>**Table No. 11:** Test comparing the arithmetic mean with the default mean</caption><thead><tr><td>Sig</td><td>Variable</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.001</td><td>Entrepreneurship</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of the SPSS program.

We note from Table No. 11 that the Sig value is 0.001, which is less than 0.05, which means rejecting the null hypothesis and accepting the alternative hypothesis, which states that there is a difference between the average of entrepreneurship at the University of the Valley (4.19) and the hypothetical average (3), and since the average of this activity is (4.19). ) It is a value higher than the default average. We can say that the first sub-hypothesis is rejected. What is more correct is that the average entrepreneurship is high among the students of the University of the Valley.

<figure><img src="image_13.png" /></figure>
- Testing the third sub-hypothesis: The third sub-hypothesis states that there is a correlation between business incubator activity and entrepreneurship among Valley University students, which can be written statistically as follows:

H0: There is no correlation between the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley and student entrepreneurship at a significance level of 0.05.

H1: There is a correlation between the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley and student entrepreneurship at a significance level of 0.05.

After testing the correlation between business incubator activity and entrepreneurship, the results shown in the following table were reached:

<table><caption>**Table No. 12:** Testing the correlation between the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley and student entrepreneurship</caption><thead><tr><td>Sig</td><td>Pearson's coefficient</td><td>Variable</td></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>0.001</td><td>**0.257</td><td>Business Incubators</td></tr><tr><td>0.001</td><td>**0.257</td><td>Entrepreneurship</td></tr></tbody></table>

**Source:** Prepared by the researcher based on the results of the SPSS program.

We notice from the table that the sig value is 0.001, which is less than 0.05, which means rejecting the alternative hypothesis, which states that there is no statistically significant correlation at a significance level of 0.05 between the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley and student entrepreneurship. The correlation between them was estimated at 0.257, and this means that the correlation between business incubator activity and student entrepreneurship is statistically significant and is a direct correlation, meaning that the two variables move in the same direction.

- Testing the fourth sub-hypothesis: The fourth sub-hypothesis states that there is a regression of business incubator activity on entrepreneurship, and this hypothesis can be written statistically as follows:

H0: There is no statistically significant regression of business incubator activity on entrepreneurship at a significance level of 0.05.

H1: There is a statistically significant regression of business incubator activity on entrepreneurship at a significance level of 0.05.

After testing the regression of the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley on student entrepreneurship, the results shown that the sig values are 0.001, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively, and they are all less than 0.05, which means that the regression of business incubator activity on entrepreneurship is statistically significant at a significance level of 0.05. Therefore, we reject the null hypothesis and accept the alternative hypothesis, which states that there is a regression of incubator activity. Business on entrepreneurship.

<figure><img src="image_14.png" /></figure>
- Testing the main hypothesis: The main hypothesis states that there is a role for business incubators in supporting entrepreneurship among students at the University of the Valley.

Relying on the two hypotheses No. 3 and 4, which state that there is a relationship and an impact, respectively, of the business incubator activity on entrepreneurship among the students of the University of the Valley. It has been shown through our testing of the two hypotheses that there is a relationship between the business incubator activity and entrepreneurship among the students, in addition to the presence of an impact of the incubator activity. Based on the latter, we conclude that the main hypothesis is accepted, which means that there is a role for business incubators in supporting entrepreneurship among students at the University of the Valley.

**4- Conclusion:**

From what this study included, it can be said that business incubators play a positive role in developing and promoting entrepreneurship in Algeria, through their activities, providing support and accompaniment to students, and providing the necessary financial support to owners of incubated projects who benefit from their services, which is what was analyzed in the field study and accordingly we can Coming up with the following results:

**4-1- Study results:**

- The average business incubator activity at the University of the Valley is relatively high, as the arithmetic average for this activity was estimated at (3.804), which is a higher value than the default average value of 3, and its standard deviation reached (0.593).

- The average of entrepreneurship is high among the students of the University of the Valley, as the arithmetic average of the entrepreneurial spirit was estimated at (4.193), which is a higher value than the default average of 3, and its standard deviation reached (0.577).

- There is a positive relationship between the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley and the presence of entrepreneurship among students, but it is a weak relationship, as its value reached (0.257).

- There is an impact of the business incubator activity at the University of the Valley on entrepreneurship among the students of the University of the Valley, as they estimated the sig value at 0.001, 0.001, 0.001, respectively, and all of them are less than 0.05.

<figure><img src="image_15.png" /></figure>
**4-2- Study recommendations:**

- Getting closer to the students by organizing neighborhood and awareness-raising activities, as well as involving students in the various activities carried out by the incubator.

- Working to help students complete the administrative, technical and technical procedures for the project

- Providing all necessary requirements for the business incubator's activity, including the material, human and financial means necessary to complete its annual program.

- Spreading awareness of the concept of business incubators.

**Referrals and references:**

- Belaidi Abdullah, Maklati Ashour, (2016), comparison between risk capital and business incubators in financing and supporting small and medium enterprises with the possibility of development integration between them, Journal of Financial and Economic Research, No. 06, p 326.

- Nabil Morsi Khalil, (1998), Competitive Advantage in the Union Field, Alexandria Center, Egypt, p135.

- Marina Lavrow and Sherry Sample, (2000), Business incubation in trend off? Ottawa-Canada- MBA, August, p 95.

- Farouk Khalaf, (2021), The Legal Framework for Start-ups and Business Incubators in Algerian Legislation, Proceedings of the Twelfth National Forum on Start-ups and Incubators, University of Martyr Hama Lakhdar El-Oued, February 15.

- Ammar Zouda, (2017), The role of the business incubator system in supporting, developing and making small and medium enterprises successful (with reference to the experience of Algerian nurseries), Journal of Economic Studies and Research in Renewable Energies, Issue 07, December, p 493.

- Abdul Salam Abu Qahf, (2011), Business incubators are a new investment opportunity and a mechanism to support small business enterprises, University House for Printing and Publishing, p 196.

- Fawzi Abdel Razzaq, (2014), The Problem of Business Incubators between Development and Operation, A Future Vision - The Case of the Business Incubator in the Algerian Economy, Saudi International Conference of Entrepreneurship Associations and Centers, Saudi Arabia, September, p 96.

- David Deakins and mark Ereel, (2006), Entrepreneurship and small Firms, 4th edition, Me Graw hill Education, London, p09.

- Amr Alaa El-Din Zidan, Entrepreneurship is the Driving Force of National Economies, Arab Organization for Administrative Development - League of Arab States, 2007.
10.N.G (2014), Joaquin algre and ricardelonmge the influence of entrepreneurial learning in firms perfomance: learning in costarica, innovar, reuista de cienciasadminicist ratine socials, vol 24,edition especial, p 124.

Colim zones, (2004), a contemporary approach to entrepreneurslrip diction, article in education and training, emerald group publishing limited, p 417.

12. Yarkin .D , Yesil .Y : (2016), "The Role of Entrepreneurship Education on Internationalization Intention. A Case Study from Izmir-Turkey «, Journal of Social Sciences Education and Research, Vol.(6), NO. (1) Jan – Apr, p.128.

13. Maluki Omar, (2021), The impact of organizational learning on the quality of health services through internal marketing - a study of a sample of private Algerian hospital institutions, unpublished doctoral thesis, Martyr Hama Lakhdar El Oued University, p. 153.

<figure><img src="image_16.png" /></figure>