02054nas a2200205   4500008004100000022001400041245011800055210006900173260004200242300001000284490000600294520138600300653001501686653002401701653002601725653002101751653002001772100001901792856003701811       2018                        eng d  a1927-032100aThe Role of Middle Managers in the Implementation of a Corporate Incubator: A Case Study in the Automotive Sector0 aRole of Middle Managers in the Implementation of a Corporate Inc  aOttawabTalent First Networkc07/2018  a31-390 v83 aLately, there has been a growing tendency of corporations to establish corporate incubators as a strategic tool of transformation. However, the managers of those incubators are often lacking the appropriate knowledge and experience when it comes to setting the right framework for implementing such novel innovation units. In this context, the role of middle managers needs to be re-evaluated in order to support them with the right toolset for such an endeavour to become successful. This article analyzes the role of middle managers in the implementation of a corporate incubator by conducting an in-depth single case study within a large German automotive company. In addition to insights from a comprehensive literature review, the study’s interviews with 13 experts reveal challenges as well as key success factors from the perspective of middle managers on the stated research problem. In particular, the ability of middle managers to influence employees and top management has been considered with the aim of avoiding resistance and failure. The findings from this study contribute to the research streams of corporate incubation and middle management. In addition, the findings are particularly relevant for managers of large corporations who are facing the challenge of transforming their organization due to digitalization and unpredictable developments in the market. 10acase study10acorporate incubator10aInnovation management10aintrapreneurship10amiddle managers1 aHirte, Rebecca  uhttp://timreview.ca/article/1169