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Exploring the role of innovation hubs on agritech startups’ innovation and success

Matthew Ayamga et al.

Journal of Engineering and Technology Management2026https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2026.101942article
AJG 2ABDC B
Weight
0.50

Abstract

Startup-driven innovations aimed at addressing agricultural production challenges are on the rise. However, the success of these innovative startups often depends on the support provided by entrepreneurial support organizations such as accelerators. Accelerators help startups overcome inherent limitations such as small scale, low financial capacity, and difficulties in scaling up. Despite their significance, the role of accelerators in enhancing startup innovation success has not been extensively investigated, especially in the Agritech context, where innovation hubs often assume these roles. Our study addresses this gap through a mixed-method approach that comprises (a) a systematic literature review (SLR), and (b) a case study in Ghana, drawing on insights from the SLR. The literature review identified two primary dimensions of accelerators’ roles: a structural role, reflected in Ecosystem Bridging and Strategic Alignment (EBASA) and Resource Mobilization and Networking (RMAN), and a functional role, characterized by Mentorship and Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) as well as Rigorous Selection and Tailored Support (RSATS). Our subsequent case study in Ghana confirms these well-established roles of accelerators within the innovation hubs for the Agritech startups. Furthermore, our findings suggest that innovation hubs may also play a catalytic role in promoting cultural change and systemic transformation—an emerging dimension particularly pronounced in developing economic contexts. Drawing on these insights, we discuss the theoretical, managerial, and technical implications for future research, highlighting the need to explore the broader, mechanism-based activities of accelerators/innovation hubs in supporting both startups and established organizations. • We examine accelerators' influence on startup innovation and success via a systematic review. • Review findings are assessed through a case study of innovation hubs supporting Agritech startups in Ghana. • The case study confirms established structural and functional roles of accelerators reported in the review. • Findings suggest accelerators can adopt a catalytic role that drives cultural change and systemic transformation. • The catalytic role is stronger in developing economies where cultural and systemic barriers limit Agritech scaling.

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https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2026.101942

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@article{matthew2026,
  title        = {{Exploring the role of innovation hubs on agritech startups’ innovation and success}},
  author       = {Matthew Ayamga et al.},
  journal      = {Journal of Engineering and Technology Management},
  year         = {2026},
  doi          = {https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jengtecman.2026.101942},
}

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Exploring the role of innovation hubs on agritech startups’ innovation and success

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Evidence weight

0.50

Balanced mode · F 0.40 / M 0.15 / V 0.05 / R 0.40

F · citation impact0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20
M · momentum0.50 × 0.15 = 0.07
V · venue signal0.50 × 0.05 = 0.03
R · text relevance †0.50 × 0.4 = 0.20

† Text relevance is estimated at 0.50 on the detail page — for your query’s actual relevance score, open this paper from a search result.