10. Project for Developing a Monitoring and Evaluation Methodology for Business Incubators in Mexico, in a Best Incubation Practices Context
• Contracting Organization: Under secretariat for Small and Medium Enterprises, Ministry of Economy of the Government of Mexico
• Start Date: October 2008
• End Date: June 2010
The development of and a specific methodology for monitoring and evaluating the performance of Mexican incubators (about 400 incubators in total), as well as the development of the necessary tools to apply it. This required a careful analysis of the standards and successful ways of operating incubators (best practices), both internationally and nationally.
The monitoring and evaluation methodology and tools were designed to be applied to all incubators of the SNIE (National Business Incubation System) in charge of the Undersecretariat for Small and Medium Enterprises of Mexico, allowing it to detect deficiencies and remedy them with specifically designed action plans. Options to automate the continuous monitoring of incubators were also developed and analyzed. The activities carried out were mainly: the design of a monitoring and evaluation methodology of the national business incubation system (around 400 incubators). This methodology combines an M&E system based on best practice standards. The construction of performance indicators and M&E instruments was also carried out. An evaluation matrix was constructed comprising the best practice standards and a scoring system assigned to each indicator. A performance evaluation matrix, including impact and operations indicators, was also developed in order to design comparative standards for each incubator. A Capacity and Implementation manual was prepared, which includes administrative and logistical guidelines in each of the stages of the M&E process. A pilot test was carried out in 40 incubators (10%) to evaluate the instruments and make the necessary adjustments before the definitive implementation of the system. Subsequently, the personnel in charge of the implementation were trained. A case study was carried out in order to identify the best practices, both nationally and internationally. A benchmarking of best practices was conducted in Mexico, Chile, India, Malaysia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and South Africa. Results: this study included an exhaustive analysis of fundamental variables in business incubation, such as the national and regional environment, public policies on incubation, M&E levels and new initiatives in incubation and sustainability.
this study included an exhaustive analysis of fundamental variables in business incubation, such as the national andregional environment, public policies on incubation, M&E levels and new initiatives in incubation and sustainability.