Academic incubators are generally dedicated to technological innovation and enabling articulation between public research and business. How to foster the development of social innovation in response to social needs through collective efforts and partnerships combining land management projects, social sciences research, and entrepreneurship? Based on a comprehensive analysis of Alter’Incub, a social innovation incubator in the Languedoc Roussillon region of France), the paper highlights the central role played by collective dynamics and translation in facilitating agreements among a broader range of stakeholders. JEL codes: L3, M13, O31