University Incubators as Catalysts for Inclusive Entrepreneurial Intentions among Students in Morocco

Abstract

In recent years, Moroccan universities have increasingly integrated entrepreneurial support mechanisms such as incubators and innovation centres, aiming to foster a new generation of entrepreneurs. These initiatives are part of broader national strategies to promote youth employment and innovation-driven growth. However, the effectiveness of university incubators in shaping entrepreneurial intentions remains uneven, particularly in a context marked by social, economic, and territorial inequalities. This paper investigates the role of university incubators in influencing entrepreneurial intention among Moroccan students, with a particular focus on their contribution to inclusive entrepreneurship. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behaviour, the study examines how access to incubation programmes affects students’ attitudes, perceived behavioural control, and social norms related to entrepreneurship. The research adopts a mixed-method approach combining survey data collected from students enrolled in Moroccan universities (public and private) and qualitative interviews with incubator participants. Special attention is given to disparities in access based on gender, socio-economic background, and regional location. Expected results suggest that while incubators positively influence entrepreneurial intention, their impact remains conditioned by unequal access to resources and networks. The study highlights the need to rethink university incubation models to ensure broader inclusion and accessibility. By contextualising the Moroccan experience within African entrepreneurial ecosystems, this paper contributes to ongoing debates on youth entrepreneurship, institutional support, and inclusive development.