Technology Entrepreneurship & Industry Emergence

Abstract

People can now monitor and quantify their daily life activities through quantified-self products, such as self-tracking devices. These types of products are invading the market, and the reasons for their adoption must be understood. Word of mouth (WOM) plays a crucial role in the adoption of disruptive innovations. In line with the literature, this article demonstrates that quantified-self products are disruptive innovations that have distinct antecedents explaining why individuals use WOM. Hence, this article examines the need for uniqueness (NFU) and perceived values as drivers of satisfaction that in turn impact WOM. Data from a sample of 496 actual users of self-tracking devices were collected through an online survey. The results emphasize the positive impact of the NFU on satisfaction through utilitarian and hedonic values. We propose theoretical and managerial insights and suggest that companies must adopt a new perspective on disruptive innovations, particularly related to satisfaction and WOM, by considering the variables proposed in the research model.

Abstract

For better or worse, digital technologies are reshaping everything, from customer behaviors and expectations to organizational and manufacturing systems, business models, markets, and ultimately society. To understand this overarching transformation, this paper extends the previous literature which has focused mostly on the organizational level by developing a multi-level research agenda for digital transformation (DT). In this regard, we propose an extended definition of DT as ?a socioeconomic change across individuals, organizations, ecosystems, and societies that are shaped by the adoption and utilization of digital technologies.? We suggest four lenses to interpret the DT phenomenon: individuals (utilizing and adopting digital technologies), organizations (strategizing and coordinating both internal and external transformation), ecosystems (harnessing digital technologies in governance and co-producing value propositions), and geopolitical frameworks (regulating the environments in which individuals and organizations are embedded). Based on these lenses, we build a multi-level research agenda at the intersection between the bright and dark sides of DT and introduce the PIAI framework, which captures a process of perception, interpretation, and action that ultimately leads to possible impact. The PIAI framework identifies a critical research agenda consisting of a non-exhaustive list of topics that can assist researchers to deepen their understanding of the DT phenomenon and provide guidance to managers and policymakers when making strategic decisions that seek to shape and guide the DT.

Abstract

It is widely regarded that employees are an important source of creativity. Hence, many companies offer specific programs to foster creative outputs. For this, employees are granted time to work on creative ideas, beyond Research and Development departments, called corporate innovation programs. How does one organize this time? Our research indicates that schedule autonomy is very important and that it has a high impact on creative results. Innovation programs can be implemented by a spontaneous time model with free time allocation, or by a predetermined version with fixed timeslots. We discuss the advantages of both models, as well as the implications of how to implement this in a company context.

Abstract

Today, firms pursuing a pioneering strategy are often engaged in supply chain relationships to benefit from external resources and to improve their innovation. However, this effort can be impeded by power asymmetries in such relationships and especially by the execution of coercive power by their partner firm. Contracts could potentially reduce this risk of opportunistic behavior. Our survey study on 778 small to medium-sized enterprises in the European packaging and medical equipment industries examines how coercive power of the partner and the contractual arrangement between firms moderate the pioneering strategy's innovation outcomes in the short and long run. Our results confirm the negative effect of coercive power on innovation performance in both the short and long term. However, the compensating effect of rather complete contracts differs temporally. Whereas, contract completeness protects against higher dependence at the beginning of the collaboration, their effect diminishes over time. In contrast, rather incomplete contracts enhance the innovation performance in the long term, possibly complemented with trust.

Abstract

Publishing in international journals is important but also a tricky task. Before this background, this editorial gives a consolidated overview of key aspects to guide authors along developing and submitting a scientific article in IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. For this, we provide insights into formal requirements, with a major on specific article requirements that must be considered. With two checklists, we summarize key questions which every author should consider before submitting an article to IEEE TEM. Beyond that, the readers might also find these suggestions helpful for any other academic outlet, especially in the field of technological innovation and engineering management.

Abstract

To provide further knowledge and technology transfer to society, universities are exploring new collaborative models. These new models are regarded as promising alternatives to the patent-centric linear model. However, their implementation requires revising the roles of the actors in the technology transfer process and their relationships. While collaborative models could indeed be an attractive option for universities, there is limited evidence on how these collaboration processes could be effectively introduced. We use a longitudinal embedded multiple case study to explore the contribution of knowledge interactions between scientists and students in the preliminary steps of the technology transfer process. We investigate the learning dynamics between the focal actor, i.e., the scientist, and the students in a university setting to decipher how the introduction of such collaborative processes can contribute to knowledge and technology transfer. Our results suggest that students enrolled in an educational program can contribute to the scientist’s interest and engagement in technology transfer. However, we find out that the extent of the students’ contribution depends on the shared consensus over the technology function and the openness of the scientist to reconsider the technology’s meaning. We contribute to the ongoing exploration of alternative models for technology transfer and the identification of additional roles that students can take in entrepreneurial university ecosystems.

Abstract

Working with an open corporate accelerator program allows Mercedes to more quickly incorporate new technologies from startups.

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an emerging technological field with immense transformative potential. Within this context, we discuss the diverse ways AI is transforming innovation. We introduce a conceptual framework in which we argue AI plays the following two roles: originator and facilitator of innovation. Additionally, we discuss different applications and implications for innovation theory and practice using a reflection on the traditional innovation process and the front end of innovation perspective. For this, we use the perspectives of AI as technology push, AI as market pull, AI to advance steps in the innovation funnel as well as AI as a contributor to new product development. Finally, we discuss future directions for research in these fields.

Abstract

Firms increasingly use ideas from online innovation communities to solve problems or to better address customer needs. However, in many cases the number of submitted ideas has exploded, it leads to an information overload that firms hardly can handle considering their limited cognitive resources. Therefore, we use the Elaboration Likelihood Model to distinguish between the quick and lean idea preselection process as a peripheral route of information processing and the subsequent idea review process as a central route of information processing. In our empirical study with a sample of more than 163,000 ideas collected from the Xiaomi MIUI community, we analyse influencing factors that increase the likelihood of ideas being preselected or reviewed. Results show that user status, user initiative contribution, and community recognition have a significantly positive influence on idea preselction, whereas user response contribution has no influence. Idea presentation characteristics have an inverted U-curve relationship with idea adoption. Community absorptive capacity has a moderate effect on the curvilinear relationship between idea description length and idea adoption.

Abstract

People can now monitor and quantify their daily life activities through quantified-self products, such as self-tracking devices. These types of products are invading the market, and the reasons for their adoption must be understood. Word of mouth (WOM) plays a crucial role in the adoption of disruptive innovations. In line with the literature, this article demonstrates that quantified-self products are disruptive innovations that have distinct antecedents explaining why individuals use WOM. Hence, this article examines the need for uniqueness (NFU) and perceived values as drivers of satisfaction that in turn impact WOM. Data from a sample of 496 actual users of self-tracking devices were collected through an online survey. The results emphasize the positive impact of the NFU on satisfaction through utilitarian and hedonic values. We propose theoretical and managerial insights and suggest that companies must adopt a new perspective on disruptive innovations, particularly related to satisfaction and WOM, by considering the variables proposed in the research model.

Abstract

What drives entrepreneurial action to create a lasting impact? The creation of new ventures that aim at having an impact beyond their financial performance face additional challenges: achieving economic sustainability and at the same time addressing social or environmental issues. Little is known on how these new hybrid organizations, aiming for multiple impact dimensions, organize and prioritize for their social, environmental, and financial goals. A dataset of 4,125 early-stage ventures is used to gain insights into how blended values are converted into financial, social and environmental impacts, giving shape to different types of hybrid organizations. Our findings suggest new hybrid organizations might opt to sacrifice financial impact to achieve social impact, yet this is not the case when they aim to generate environmental or sustainable impact. Therefore, the tensions and sacrifices related to holding blended values are not homogeneous across all types of new hybrid organizations.

Abstract

The value of existent firm's resources in uncertain and dynamic contexts is unclear. It is difficult to determine whether starting a new firm with a strong resource position will give an advantage in technology-intense contexts. We propose a revision of the role of resources in new tech-based ventures. We adopt a mixed-method approach. We use the cases of 21 new technology firms to build propositions on what factors (resources) play a role in new venture emergence. We then test to what extent those resources make an effect on the new venture emergence using a longitudinal dataset of 400 new technology-based firms. The results show that not all resources matter equally in the early-stages of a new technology-based firm. We identify that specific combinations of entrepreneurial experience and industry knowledge has a positive impact, while other resources such as technology assets, surprisingly, do not generate a clear impact.

Abstract

Prior literature analysed why incubators exist and how to differentiate the various incubator types. However, measures that lead incubators to run as independent, self-sufficient incubation ecosystems (i.e. without the dependence on subsidies) remain largely absent. Based on a survey with 71 incubators, our results implied differences between the two groups in regard to their business models, with indications of significant differences in the customer value proposition, the profit formula, as well as the key resources and processes provided. The findings support previous claims regarding the need for a profit driven nature, regardless of business profit orientation, as well as generating diverse income streams to cover operational costs. Moreover, new insights on key elements of incubators’ business models within start-up incubation ecosystems are presented. With this chapter, practitioners as well as researchers will gain a further understanding of the success factors of self-sufficient incubators that contribute to functioning incubation ecosystem

Abstract

We report the experience of the FucoSan InterReg project that had the ambition to generate commercialization opportunities for biotechnology research in a marine environment. Fucoidan, a promising biomarine polysaccharide extracted from seaweed, offers a broad array of potential applications; however, the supporting innovation value chain is still under development. We explore how the use of business modelling tools can contribute to building a shared understanding of commercialization opportunities across a diverse range of research and development actors. We analyze data (interviews, workshops, and surveys) from a German-Danish network of actors involved in the FucoSan InterReg project to identify how the tools contribute to setting up a base to support future activities across a potential innovation value chain. The results point towards the direct and indirect positive effects of engaging in the co-creation of a shared understanding of the functionality and possibilities of promising biomarine products. The findings support the idea that interdisciplinary and multilateral interactions help actors to identify the necessary connections and interdependencies to build a sustainability-driven innovation value chain.

Abstract

Even though the number of working women has steadily increased over the last few years, women are still significantly under-represented in STEM activities (i.e. mathematics, informatics, science and technology).  In order to eliminate this under-representation, numerous education policies and corporate initiatives, particularly in the recent past, have been aimed at increasing women's enthusiasm for STEM activities and professions. According to the latest surveys, however, it is clear that these efforts have not yet led to the desired success. Compared to their male counterparts, women continue to do fewer STEM activities.  One possible reason for this is that relatively little is yet known about the concrete impact of the above education policies on working with innovation and technology: What are the gender differences between women and men? Is it enough to recognize these differences, or should these differences ideally not only be recognized, but also treated appropriately or even encouraged?  This anthology deals with current topics in technology and innovation management against the background of these and other gender-relevant aspects. Empirical analyses and experiments in collaboration with companies from various sectors provide a sound scientific basis on which new results and findings are presented: How do women and men deal with creativity and competition? How are technologies applied and how can differences in access to technology be deduced?  Answers to these and other questions help decision-makers in politics and business to proactively use the differences between women and men to motivate women to work in the STEM field and to strengthen them by acknowledging existing difference

Abstract

Cognitive and behavioral factors are becoming increasingly relevant in research on the emergence of entrepreneurial action. To date, little research has examined whether an entrepreneurial mindset can be affected by targeted entrepreneurial priming interventions, even though the activation of specific mental concepts possesses the power to stimulate entrepreneurial self-concepts. Such a mechanism is also inherent in certain academic teaching methods like use-case application and storytelling. We developed and applied an entrepreneurial priming intervention, aimed at increasing the level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and the attitude towards starting a new business of the priming receivers. Therefore, an experimental study with entrepreneurship students, randomly assigned to either the trial group (n = 47) or the active control group (n = 51), was conducted. Both our hypotheses are supported, as our findings show a higher level of entrepreneurial self-efficacy and a more positive attitude toward launching a business venture for receivers of a semantical, entrepreneurial prime than for members of the non-primed active control group. These results provide insights into the triggering of students’ entrepreneurial cognition, and help to develop a more profound understanding of the effectiveness of common teaching methods like use-case application and storytelling, both within and beyond an entrepreneurial educational setting.

Abstract

More and more, established companies try to cooperate with start-ups, build their own, or try to imitate their mindsets. But, do they make decisions like expert entrepreneurs? Effectuation theory describes entrepreneurial decision-making, it has been popular in entrepreneurship research for the last two decades, but still underexplored in contexts such as established company’s decision-making. Therefore, this study answers the question of which factors affect the use of effectuation in established companies. Furthermore, the current use of the start-up decision-making principle is investigated. The research results show a higher use of effectuation over causation (alternative mechanism) in established companies. However, decision-making principles like “Mean orientation” and “Contingency orientation” are still dominated by causation. Identified factors for implementing effectuation in established companies are divided into six categories. In particular, effectuation requires a high flexibility and willingness to change goals. Using the already available means and resources of a company to pursue new goals, is another argument for using effectuation. Additionally, a more open and transparent culture, encouraging the identification and admittance of mistakes, also supports the use of effectuation. Based on this research, established companies should be able to understand better on which factors the implementation of effectuation depends and where it makes sense to use it.

Abstract

The engagement with industry actors is a key element in the transition towards an entrepreneurial university model. The purpose of this paper is to explore the university-industry collaboration (UIC) drivers from the industry side. It analyses how, and to what extent, policy interventions could increase the engagement of industry actors in UICs. An experimental research design involving a feasibility and pilot study (January to June 2018) with 36 firms. In a non-urban region context, with a satellite university campus. The pilot explores a randomized control trial (RCT) design, with a training intervention to a randomized group of participants in the pilot. Firms involved in universities' students (academic forms of UICs) might not necessarily consider the university as a research partner, even in a geographic proximity setting. In addition, there is a potential “dark-side” to proximity, when industry participants build their perceptions using second-hand experiences or indirect information. A training intervention facilitates to overcome pre-existing biases but does not trigger a substantial change in the UIC's behaviour of the firms in the short-term. The pilot study provides valuable insights for researchers interested in a larger randomized control trial. It also provides insights for university managers that want to understand the motivations of industry participants in UICs. The experimental approach of the research generates evidence on the feasibility to intervene in the activation of UICs from an industry perspective, a central aspect in transition towards an entrepreneurial university model.

Abstract

Most of the firms currently in the S&P 500 will probably not be part of this list in 15 years. In times of great uncertainty managers are called to make the right choices in their strategy, they are asked to preserve the core businesses, and to prepare their organizations for an unclear future. How can managers make the right choices when the whole industry is under transformation? In this light, we explore how the popular VUCA framework can help to make sense of turbulent contexts and drive the decision-making of managers. We study the case of the energy industry, where, in a short period of time, traditional business models eroded, and dominant players lost their positions in the industry. Based on personal interviews with the CEOs from RWE (Germany) and NRG (USA) we analyze how they led the transformation of their organizations. We get immersed in their decision- making processes and depict how the VUCA framework help them to identify, map and prepare their organizations to respond to the volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity in their industry. We propose a guide for executive managers to navigate through VUCA contexts, taking into account the necessity to introduce short and long-term responses that prepare organizations and stakeholders for an uncertain future

Abstract

We examined the relationships between perceived environmental uncertainty and firm strategies (innovation vs. imitation) with a sample of 143 Iranian entrepreneurs. By using longitudinal data, we hypothesized that perceived environmental state uncertainty increases the possibility of pursuing innovative strategies and that the perceived effect and response of uncertainty increases the possibility of pursuing imitative strategies by Iranian entrepreneurs during the post-sanction period. Our results extend previous research by not only highlighting the importance of perceived environmental uncertainty in shaping firms’ strategic behavior, but also indicating how each dimension of perceived environmental uncertainty either enhances or inhibits the innovation/imitation strategy. Since perceived environmental uncertainty is a multidimensional and broad concept that usually stems from different sources, ignoring the exact types of uncertainty faced by entrepreneurs during strategy formulation could lead to unproductive investments and higher costs that may hurt firm performance in the long term. Our findings are in general consistent with the predictions of upper echelons theory and confirm that the strategy of a firm varies according to the types of uncertainty perceived by entrepreneurs.

Abstract

We use a longitudinal dataset on new ventures to assess the effects of human capital factors (education, work experience, and entrepreneurial experience) on new ventures' performance. Our results show how the influence of human capital factors are dependent on the context (high vs. non-high technology industries) and illustrate the different effects of general and specific human capital factors. The findings help to clarify the existing debate on the influence of human capital where we introduce a longitudinal perspective that contributes to uncover the influence of factors such as prior experience, in particular if in the same industry, as a positive influence on new ventures' future performance.

Abstract

Technological innovations open opportunities for new entrants (techno-entrepreneurs) to transform and recreate industries, as they come as so called “innovation shocks”. These shocks can change technology trajectories and make irrelevant existing regulatory frameworks. It is unclear, however, what is the interplay between technology evolution, entrepreneurship, and regulation. We explore the case of the drone industry emergence to extract insights on how different profiles of new entrants respond to distinct regulatory frameworks, aiming to decipher the effect that those have on the exploration and development of new tech-based innovation opportunities. Our findings suggest that more attention should be given to the impact that regulatory responses can have on the short and long term development of emerging technological fields. We propose a process framework to make sense of the possible outcomes of distinct regulatory responses, elaborating on the consequences it has on entrepreneurial activity and overall market growth.

Abstract

These days, crowdfunding has become an established tool for entrepreneurial financing. Beyond that, it also established a new way of innovation marketing, especially for high-tech products: using crowdfunding to find out if there is a market for the product. Without the goal of collecting money for the start-up, this approach makes a new strategic approach necessary how to setup entrepreneurial commercialization strategies. This chapter offers insights into such crowdfunding behavior, and how technology entrepreneurs can make use of it. For this, a market theory perspective is taken on crowdfunding platforms, with implications for theory and practice.

Abstract

We propose a model for the learning process in technology entrepreneurship based on the findings from an in-depth case study of an engineering degree that emphasizes technology entrepreneurship. Taking learning paradigms from entrepreneurship education into account, we specify the links between pedagogical approaches, activities, and learning contexts and specific technology entrepreneurship learning outcomes. For example, we examine how the use of existential learning with self-directed activities in real-world contexts contributes to achieving high-level entrepreneurial competencies such as the ability to critically self-reflect on the choices made by the technology-based venture. As such, we contribute to the definition of teaching models for technology entrepreneurship education.

Abstract

Understanding how a new digital technology can translate into a valuable innovation is a challenge for established players and new entrants. For industrial players in an ecosystem it can be both a threat or an opportunity. Furthermore, the new technologies open collaboration opportunities between corporates and startups. But, it is remains unclear what are the consequences of opening up, and whether it has an impact on the innovation dynamics in the industrial ecosystem. We use the case of the Wind Industry in Denmark, as a maturing industrial ecosystem, to study when and how the new entrants (technology entrepreneurs) have had an impact on the innovation dynamics. We first combine archival data with interviews to build an historical account of the evolution of the industrial ecosystem, then we incorporate data from the new entrants in the industry to specify the types of innovations that the most recent digital technology entrepreneurs have triggered. The results suggest differences in the innovation dynamics depending on the value chain position. While some activities have remained rather closed (for instance the technological development of the core elements in the wind turbines), the operations and maintenance activities have profited from digital technologies introduced by new entrants. Using these insights, we present and discuss suggestions to institutional actors interested in protecting the innovation leadership of their regional industrial ecosystems.

Abstract

More and more, established companies try to cooperate with start-ups, build their own, or try to imitate their mindsets. But, do they make decisions like expert entrepreneurs? Effectuation theory describes entrepreneurial decision-making, it has been popular in entrepreneurship research for the last two decades, but still underexplored in contexts such as established company’s decision-making. Therefore, this study answers the question of which factors affect the use of effectuation in established companies. Furthermore, the current use of the start-up decision-making principle is investigated. The research results show a higher use of effectuation over causation (alternative mechanism) in established companies. However, decision-making principles like “Mean orientation” and “Contingency orientation” are still dominated by causation. Identified factors for implementing effectuation in established companies are divided into six categories. In particular, effectuation requires a high flexibility and willingness to change goals. Using the already available means and resources of a company to pursue new goals, is another argument for using effectuation. Additionally, a more open and transparent culture, encouraging the identification and admittance of mistakes, also supports the use of effectuation. Based on this research, established companies should be able to understand better on which factors the implementation of effectuation depends and where it makes sense to use it.

Abstract

Purpose In order to learn more about the antecedents of strategy at the top management team’s (TMT) level, the purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of TMT cultural intelligence on corporate entrepreneurship strategy. Then, the authors examine how TMT’s ambiguity tolerance mediates this relationship.   Design/methodology/approach The authors tested the hypothesis by collecting survey data from 41 TMTs of small- and medium-sized enterprises in the south-east of Iran.   Findings The survey results confirm that a high level of cultural intelligence in TMTs is conducive to corporate entrepreneurship. Furthermore, the result shows that higher levels of cultural intelligence in TMTs relate to a higher level of ambiguity tolerance, which, in turn, enhances the possibility of pursuing corporate entrepreneurship strategy by SMEs.   Research limitations/implications The data for this study were obtained from 41 TMTs in the south-east of Iran, which increases the probability that the results may not be directly transferable to certain companies in Western countries. Future research might attempt to test the ideas developed in this paper across different settings and samples.   Originality/value Several theoretical and empirical studies have explored possible antecedents of corporate entrepreneurship. But a few papers investigated the role of TMT dispositions on corporate entrepreneurship strategy. By addressing the prominent role of TMT psychological dispositions on corporate entrepreneurship strategy, this paper attempts to fill this gap.

Abstract

Although technology entrepreneurship has recently received increased attention, the link between entrepreneurship education and the transfer and commercialization of technology has not been explored sufficiently so far. In this chapter the authors apply an explorative approach to investigate two cases of science and technology entrepreneurship education (STEE) by analysing documents and interviews regarding similarities and differences of the two educational programmes. Their findings suggest that open and problem-based pedagogical approaches are more applied in STEE-related courses compared to regular engineering courses. Additionally, STEE benefits greatly from taking place in a practical context with access to support structures that assist in developing technical and business aspects of start-ups. The findings hold implications for research, educational programmes, policy makers and entrepreneurs.

Abstract

Universities all over Europe invest in entrepreneurship education through offering structured programmes. Moreover, incubators and accelerators arise to support and complement fast growing global economy through entrepreneurial activities. Since entrepreneurship education seems to be important for economic development, the development of entrepreneurship education and effective teaching methods are discussed. For this, one university in Germany and one university in Denmark were chosen and researched with ten interviews. The structured comparison of teaching activities and methods indicates several interesting insights. Differences in organisation, structure and teaching methods between both universities could be identified, as well as similar developments concerning entrepreneurship education in general. Both universities do research in the field of entrepreneurship, offer related programmes for bachelor and master students and focus the study programmes on practical experiences, experimental teaching and the involvement of guest lecturers. In addition to that, they offer cross-faculty electives and extra-curricular activities to connect students from different faculties and provide the opportunity to network with investors, support organisations and participate in a business plan competition. 

Abstract

Business incubators have been developed as a key component of entrepreneurial activities in countries all over Europe. These incubators have a non-profit or a for-profit profile, with one-third located in Germany. The increased engagement of private business in what was a public-dominated incubation landscape may influence established theoretical frameworks. Within this context, this paper analyses 11 German business incubators to look at the most common types of for-profit business incubators in Germany and their main characteristics. Moreover, it introduces classification criteria for these incubators. Another aspect of the analysis is the effect of the triple helix dimensions of the different incubation types. The results show that two additional types of incubators can be identified in addition to the traditional public business incubator model, namely ‘company builders’ and ‘accelerators’. Implications for research and practice, as well as directions for future research, are also discussed.   

Abstract

Entrepreneurial behavior research has used intention models to explain how an individual's beliefs shape the attitudes and motivations that influence entrepreneurial intention. Nevertheless, as entrepreneurship promotion initiatives become global, it becomes relevant to explore the consequences of being engaged in entrepreneurial behavior on entrepreneurial intention. We aim to shed light on whether the direct experience reinforces an individual's entrepreneurial intention or reduces it. Building on an extended version of the planned behavior theory, we use the behavioral reasoning theory to propose a research design to study the influence of being currently engaged in entrepreneurial behavior on entrepreneurial intention. We introduce individual's age as an additional moderator of the effects of directly experiencing entrepreneurial behavior. We use PLS-MGA to complete a multi-group SEM analysis for different groups of individuals (from a sample of 430), comparing groups based on their entrepreneurial activity and age group. Results of this research work evidence that current engagement in entrepreneurship activities produces significant differences in the intention to start a new venture between older and younger participants. The results suggest that engagement in entrepreneurial activity modifies entrepreneurial intention and that these effects are contingent to the individual's age. This research work contributes to the extant call to explore reverse causality between actual behavior and an individual's intention by introducing behavioral reasoning theory. These results provide support to initiatives to adapt entrepreneurship promotion efforts to the specific characteristics of the participants.

Abstract

The means with which entrepreneurs create and capture value can be difficult to get a comprehensive picture of. Looking at the tools they use can offer insights, and in this context, the book “The Lean Startup” by Eric Ries has received a tremendous amount of attention. Supposedly, many entrepreneurs have read the book and may have followed his advice. Hence, we investigate the merits and characteristics of the methods detailed by Ries through a comparison with leading theories and empirical evidence found in the scientific literature. The results indicate that overall the methods find considerable backing and can in parts be recognized under already established constructs. Heavy use of effectuation-logic is evident throughout the book, with a clear and explicit emphasis on experimentation over long-term planning. The paper closes with a discussion of the possible broader implications of the methods and effectuation, including the potential impact on corporate strategy.

Abstract

Technology entrepreneurship is an established concept in academia. However, recent developments in the context of digital entrepreneurship call for revision and advancement. The multiple possible combinations of technology and entrepreneurship have resulted in a diversity of phenomena with significantly different characteristics and socio-economic impact. This article is focused on the identification and description of technology entrepreneurship in times of digitization. Based on current examples, we identify and describe characterizations of technology entrepreneurship, digital technology entrepreneurship, and digital entrepreneurship. With this new delineation of terms, we would like to foster discussion between researchers, entrepreneurs, and policy makers on the impact of digitization on entrepreneurship, and set a future research agenda.

Abstract

There is undoubtedly hype around drones and their applications for private and professional users. Based on a brief overview of the development of the drone industry in recent years, this article examines the co-evolution of drone technology and the entrepreneurial activity linked to it. Our results highlight the industry emergence described as concept validation, including product as well as market growth with different phases of technological meaning change. We argue that further steps are needed to develop drones from nice toys to professional tools—from photography and filming applications to inspection services and large cargo logistics. For innovation managers and entrepreneurs, we describe what triggers the emergence of a technology and attracts the needed actors to unleash its transformative potential. Our research is based on industry reports, news, and market studies as well as interviews with four industry actors.

Abstract

Entrepreneurs aim at introducing innovations into the market, e.g., in the form of new products or services. However, innovations always mean changes, and people tend react reluctantly to changes. Moreover, introducing the innovations into the market is often linked with a higher investment risk. Thus, before ideas can become tangible reality, they first of all need to be "sold", for example, to supervisors, potential investors, and, finally, customers. For these reasons, it is particularly critical for entrepreneurs to have a charismatic way of speaking with which they can persuade others of their ideas. Against this background, we motivate and outline in this concept paper a new interdisciplinary line of research that focuses on the speaker's tone of voice. The new line of research builds upon traditional rhetorical descriptions of a speaker's charismatic tone of voice and is meant to extend and eventually replace this descriptive terminology by an objective acoustically based and perceptually informed tone-of-voice analysis, evaluation, and learning. We outline initial promising findings we have made within this new line of research, also in comparison to the established Charismatic Leadership Tactics (CLTs) whose focus is on the verbal aspects of charismatic speec

Abstract

Innovation hubs are gaining high attention in recent years, especially from European companies. Silicon Valley has been deemed as one of the most attractive and successful environments for establishing innovation hubs. This article highlights examples of companies from Europe that made the step to California—namely, Volkswagen, Swisscom, BMW, Axel Springer, Munich Re, and Innogy SE (RWE Group). Based on these companies’ experiences, recommendations are given on how companies might approach a setup in Silicon Valley for long-term succes

Abstract

We examine the relationships between entrepreneurs’ values, beliefs and orientations with their firms’ engagement in sustainability-oriented entrepreneurial actions, using a sample of 352 newly established businesses from two Asian countries (Bangladesh and Iran). Our results reveal a dual role of entrepreneurs’ values, beliefs and orientations when taking sustainability-oriented actions. We confirm that individual differences in the set of values, beliefs and orientations can foster or hinder the sustainability-oriented actions across organizations. Our paper contributes to the growing literature of sustainable entrepreneurship, by providing answers for recent calls for better understanding which entrepreneurial ventures engage more in sustainability-oriented actions.

Abstract

Collaboration between universities and their local stakeholders is becoming a key success factor for the growth of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Efficient energy solutions are often facing challenges in innovation diffusion, which is in contrast to the growing demand for providing answers to key ecological problems. In order to present how an efficient Triple Helix collaboration could foster and support niche innovations, an applied research project is introduced. This unique university-industry-government cooperation brings a students' idea to a proof-of-concept project thus covers the entire innovation process. The selected case offers insights of how and why such initiative could emerge, as well as discusses its implications for future technological innovations and in particular those that are about to emerge in regional entrepreneurial ecosystems. Networking, win-win-situations as well as a strong problem orientation were identified as key success factors which may accelerate efficient future Triple Helix collaboration and cooperation for ensuring a higher innovation diffusion succes

Abstract

This paper builds upon the widely-used resource- based approach to explaining survival of new technology-based firms (NTBFs). However, instead of looking at the NTBF's initial resource configuration, a process-oriented perspective is taken by focusing on the entrepreneur's ability to transform resources in response to triggers resulting from market interactions. Transaction relations reflect these interactions and are thus operationalized with a suggested method for measuring the status of venture emergence (VE) applicable to early-stage NTBFs. NTBFs' value network maturity is reflected in the number and strength of their transaction relations in the four market dimensions customer, investor, partner, and human resource. Business plans of NTBFs represent the artifact that contains this data in the form of transaction relation descriptions. Using content analysis, a multi-step combined human and computer coding process has been developed to annotate and classify transaction relations from business plans in order to empirically determine NTBFs' status of VE. Results of the business plan analysis suggest that the level of transaction relations allows to draw conclusions on the VE status. Moreover, applying the developed process, first analysis of a business plan coding test shows that the transaction relation based VE status significantly relates to NTBF survival capability

Abstract

Understanding the influence of resources on the new firm's growth remains a difficult challenge for scholars. Prior research has suggested that the impact of human capital or technological resources is limited and does not provide an explanation on why some new firms grow faster than others. In this research we propose to explore the complementary and substitution effects between these resources using Kauffman Firm Survey (KFS) Dataset. We also introduce market resources to further understand the influence dynamics of resources in early stage growth. We follow the evolution of a sample of firms in a high tech industry to test our hypotheses. The results show that besides the direct effects of human, technological and market resources, it is the complementary and substitution effects across them that provides additional valuable information to understand their impact on new firm's growth

Abstract

Setting technology standards is the route to market growth and to potentially influencing the performance of a whole industry. When a market accepts a particular technology as one that defines the specifications for products in the entire industry, a dominant design is set. In this article, we investigate how the existence of a dominant design affects subsequent innovation in an industry. In particular, we study the influence on innovative performance, radical innovation, and process innovation. Analyzing longitudinal, cross-sectional patent data for more than 2.6 million patents filed from 1978 to 2013, we find support for our hypotheses that an industry's innovative performance and degree of radical innovation are negatively influenced by dominant design in that industry, and that process innovation is fostered by the occurrence of a dominant design. We discuss the findings in the light of the increasing speed of technological development and standardization. Additionally, results from a sensitivity analysis for different threshold values of dominant design call for adjusting a binary definition of dominant design with different threshold values depending on the effects under stud

Abstract

Although entrepreneurial behavior is proposed as part of the solution to fragile labor markets, in particular in periods of economic and social change, policy makers are struggling to find the right levers to promote it. Despite the extant prior research on entrepreneurial behavior, little is known on the entrepreneurial behavior drivers for the individuals of working age with experience. Prior research explores the influence of entrepreneurial knowledge to study the drivers of experienced individuals evaluating whether or not to engage in an entrepreneurial behavior. This research introduces entrepreneurial knowledge to study the impact of prior experience on entrepreneurial intention. Based on the theory of planned behavior (TPB), this research work analyzes the relationship between entrepreneurial knowledge and entrepreneurial intention, and the mediating effects of the TPB perceptual variables: personal attitude (PA), social norm (SN), and perceived behavioral-control (PBC). A structural equation model (SEM) has been used to analyze the responses of a sample of 431 experienced individuals of working-age that completed a questionnaire based on Liñan & Chen's (2009) Entrepreneurial Intention Questionnaire (EIQ). The results showed that entrepreneurial knowledge positively influences entrepreneurial intention and that this influence is mediated by the perceptual variables of the TPB model (PA, SN, PBC). These findings contribute to the understanding of the entrepreneurial intention for experienced individuals and consolidate the use of the TPB model to study individual entrepreneurial intention. The findings suggest that policy makers should pay more attention to individual entrepreneurial knowledge, and strengthen the attractiveness of an entrepreneurial career, if they are interested in fostering entrepreneurial behavior among individuals of working age with experience.

Abstract

Firms around the world are eager to replicate the successes of enterprises that have established innovation labs in California's Silicon Valley. An analysis of four leading US companies that have set up idea incubators in the Valley—Xerox, Apple, Google, and Cisco—point to eight factors for success in establishing an innovative environment: carefully considering the decision to set up such a center, hiring the right people, designing a framework for effective output, creating a buffer from bureaucratic distractions, securing a leader to champion the effort, focusing on business outcomes, fostering disruptive over incremental innovation, and being patient. Regardless of where an innovation hub is established, the key to success lies in hiring creative, intrinsically motivated staff and then giving them the freedom to do what they do bes

Abstract

Through a multiple case study based on interviews with radio editorial staff, this article provides insights in the selection process for the use of new songs in German radio broadcasting. Radio editors learn about new songs through different channels, the intensity of the information search depends on the station's size and resources. Several criteria for new song adoption have been identified, including: congruence with format, usage by competitive stations, evaluations by radio consultanc

Abstract

This article studies how technology-based entrepreneurs manage to transform their ideas into viable businesses, regardless of their resource limitations and the complexity and dynamics of technology-intense contexts. To describe how entrepreneurs unlock the value proposition that makes a technology useful, we adopt a set of lenses that allow us to view what happens on both sides of the market. In this context, we need to look beyond the resources to explain the weight that entrepreneur's actions carry on the technology entrepreneurship process. In this article, we use a multiple case study on three new technology-based firms to explore how their actions can be interpreted as valuable market signals. The results suggest that entrepreneurs strategically use market, technology, and social capital signalling to mitigate uncertainty and advance in the technology entrepreneurship process. This research holds implications for academic research on the integration of resource and demand-side views, as well as for entrepreneurs and practitioners interested in understanding the impact of visible actions in the early stages of a new technology-based venture.

Abstract

How do technology entrepreneurs use signals to help transform their ideas into viable businesses, regardless of their resource limitations and the complexity of the markets in which they operate? One way is to attend to the use of signals as a market communication strategy. An analysis of the experiences of three new technology firms in Spain looks beyond the traditional resource-based view of the firm to explain how an entrepreneur's actions can be interpreted as valuable market signals to mitigate uncertainty and increase the likelihood for success for the new venture. Highlighting the value of resources and actions as signaling elements, the study reveals that in highly competitive and dynamic markets, understanding how to signal essential information to customers and other stakeholders can be as important as the technological properties of the actual product or service.

Abstract

New technology-based firms have to deal with the technology development and market search challenges at the same time. The venture emergence in technology entrepreneurship symbolizes that the new venture has been able to find the right fit for its technology and becomes an operating business. The complex nature and dynamism of technology markets suggest the need to look beyond the venture resources in order to explain how new ventures overcomes the market uncertainty towards their technological products, and become operational businesses. We use a multiple case study of three new technology-based firms to explore the use of signals as market creation strategies in the context of venture emergence. The results suggest that entrepreneurs rely on market, technology and social capital signaling to reduce the uncertainty and advance towards venture emergence. This research holds implications for researchers interested in further exploring the integration of marketing, signaling and entrepreneurship theories and for entrepreneurs interested in overcoming the market uncertainty towards their technology, products and venture performance.

Abstract

Today there is little doubt that the modern economy is driven by firms which capitalize on change, challenge and technology. The technology sector represents an important share of the economy of every industrial nation, for example, in the United States more than one-third of the gross national product and about half of the private-sector spending on capital goods are related to technology. Other examples are Japan and Germany; they occupy the worldís second and third places, respectively, as measured by patents granted in the year 2011: (1) United States: 121,261 patents granted, (2) Japan: 48,256 patents granted, (3) Germany: 12,968 patents granted (Marketline, 2012). The examples and figures suggest a high capacity for innovation, or rather a high accumulation of start-ups and entrepreneurs, especially in the technology sector. Technology and similar high-growth enterprises are both an important part of our worldís economic growth as well as the place where young entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Technology involves devices, artefacts, processes, methods, tools and materials that can be applied to industrial and commercial intentions (Byers et al., 2011). As stated, research and innovation in technology are drivers of economic growth and social change. In order to be fruitful, they need an innovative business environment and good knowledge gained from science. Essential for the transformation of research results into products and services are research institutions and a good know-how and technology transfer.

Abstract

How do technology-based entrepreneurs transform technological ideas into business opportunities? We explore how individual's self-regulatory focus and institutional forces influence in the opportunity construction process. This research addresses the apparent paradox between the exploration efforts of the entrepreneur to find a use for the technological idea, with the institutional pressure advance to opportunity exploitation. We use an inductive multiple- case study with a sample of three technology-based entrepreneurs to shed some light on the phenomena. The results suggest that there is a two-stage process in the transformation of an idea into an opportunity; entrepreneur's ability to moderate their self-regulatory focus is seen to play an important role in this process. These findings hold several implications for entrepreneurs and stakeholders interested in promoting technology-based entrepreneurship

Abstract

The transformation of business ideas into market opportunities is at the core of entrepreneurship. Nevertheless, the complexity of such a transformative process is seen to change depending on the variables influencing the opportunity-entrepreneur nexus. Although technology-entrepreneurship is regarded as a force of change and dynamism in socio-economic growth, it also depends upon an intricate process of opportunity development. The interest in understanding better how technology-based entrepreneurs simultaneously cope with technological uncertainty while trying to gain stakeholder support and access to resources, highlights a relevant research gap. The research described in this article uses the constructivist view to deepen our understanding of the technology-based entrepreneur's conceptualization of the opportunity as a process of social construction. Our results show how initial consensus-building efforts and iteration with knowledgeable peers are an essential part of the emergence of the opportunity, changing both entrepreneur's and stakeholders' perceptions of the early business idea. Consequently, our results provide evidence in support of policy programs and measures that favour social-construction sup- port mechanisms to foster technology-based entrepreneurship.

Abstract

In contradiction to previous research, which concentrates almost exclusively on entrepreneurs during their professional activity, this study concentrates on an earlier point in time and that is before the working life begins. Therefore, the micro-social environment (family background) and specifi c cognitions (fostering and hindering perceptions) towards self-employment, that infl uence the professional choice, are Refereed Edition Print ISSN: 1177-4541 On-Line ISSN: 1176-8592 Page 16 – Refereed Edition Vol IV, Issue 4, December 2008, Conference Issue „Entrepreneurship Education“ © 2004-2008 Editors@asiaentrepreneurshipjournal.com examined in this study. Attention is also given to gender similarities or differences and to catching a glimpse of entrepreneurial related variables as they occur over time. To examine those aspects two surveys were conducted between winter term 2006/2007 and winter term 2007/2008 at the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. Only small differences could be found between the two genders in motives for becoming self-employed The results indicate that women perceive hindering factors more problematic than their male counterparts. However, only within the perception of hindering factors especially the cohort analysis shows that the two genders differ in many aspects. Within the regression analysis the factor “risk of failure” is a stable and dominant hurdle throughout the years for men and women equally.We could also show that the self-employment of the parents does have an infl uence on the founding intention of the children.

Abstract

Over the last twenty years, academics and economic organizations have demonstrated a growing interest in women entrepreneurs. Female Entrepreneurship is now considered to be one of the most important sources of growth, employment and innovation. In the United States, women owned businesses are the fastest growing sector of new ventures overall. However, little is known about women entrepreneurs. In contradiction to previous research, which focused on women and men during their professional activity, this study concentrates on an earlier point, namely before the start of the professional career. This study aims at looking at gender-related differences in the context of self-employment. Family background, study-related factors and inhibiting and fostering factors that influence the choice of starting a business are examined. The project was initiated by the University of Erlangen-Nuremberg and the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel (Germany). The survey was conducted in 2006 and the sample includes 553 student