There are many support mechanisms for supporting newly established firms. Business incubators, one of them, are generally focused on supporting and promoting entrepreneurship, increasing employment through creating new job opportunities, enhancing local, regional and national R&D and innovativeness. The term of “incubator” is used to define supporting institutions to growth and survival of new firms. Business incubators are becoming a basic component of regional and national economic development strategies in many countries.
In this study, the importance of business incubators in terms of local and regional economic development is discussed. Firstly, the concept of “business incubator” will be examined in terms of theoretical and conceptual perspective. Secondly, the importance of business incubators for regional development will be mentioned. Then, some recommendations based on the findings of the literature will be presented for using business incubators as a tool for regional development