Developing a Framework for Measuring the Impact of the Open Virtual Incubator at The Open University

In May 2025, the OU Business School will launch a virtual incubator for students enrolled in our innovation and enterprise pathway modules. This scholarship project will research how existing face-to-face incubators assess their impact and use that knowledge to create a robust framework for evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the Open Virtual Incubator. This new framework will enable us to systematically assess the success of the Open Virtual Incubator, identify areas for improvement, and demonstrate its value in fostering student innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The research questions that this project aims to address are:

1. What are the impact measurement in existing incubators.
2. What would be an appropriate Impact Evaluation Framework for the Open Virtual Incubator. 
3. How would the framework support student learning, innovation, and enterprise development.