Toward a Typology of Accelerators: An Institutional Theory Perspective

Extant research on accelerators has primarily examined their distinctive attributes and associated performance outcomes, largely from a strategic differentiation perspective. Building on institutional theory, this study employs qualitative methods to identify both the common attributes that accelerators acquire through institutional isomorphism and the distinctive attributes that emerge in response to institutional pressures. Based on these findings, we aim to theorize different types of accelerators. Our analysis shows that Korean accelerators adopt varied responses when faced with multiple institutional pressures and logics. Based on these responses, they can be classified into Aligned AC, Hybrid-Growth AC, Maverick AC, Value-based AC, and Symbolic AC. These findings contribute theoretical insights into existing definitions of accelerator roles in prior work and extend studies grounded in the strategic differentiation perspective.