Artikel in Zeitschriften

Abstract

Digitalization plays a major role in contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Without transformation of existing businesses, both economic and environmental challenges of the future cannot be solved sustainably. However, there is much confusion on interrelationships and terms dealing with digitization or digitalization: Digital business model, digital transformation, digital entrepreneurship. How do these terms interrelate with and to digitalization, and how do they support firms to grow sustainably? To answer this question, we identified seven core digital-related terms based on a structured literature search within the management and economics domain, namely: Digital, Business Model, Digital Business Model, Digital Technology, Digital Innovation, Digital Transformation, and Digital Entrepreneurship. Thereafter, we analyzed prior literature for deriving a common understanding and definition as a basis for interrelations within a conceptual framework. Definitions were presented in a case study setup with twelve innovation and research and development (R&D) managers from various business units of a German high-tech company. Based on these insights, we propose a conceptual framework on how Digital Readiness, Digital Technology, and Digital Business Models might sustainably relate to Innovation, moderated by a Digital Transformation Process. With this approach, we aim to equip practitioners and researchers alike in handling and addressing change through digitalization sustainably.

Abstract

Research on R&D performance measures applied in firms is still scarce. Based on the established “R&D laboratory as a system” thinking, systematically derive and identify R&D department level key performance measures. Through a mixed‐method approach, grounded in (1) literature and (2) text analysis, 154 R&D performance measures were developed. Amongst those, an (3) online expert survey, as well as (4) three independent focus group workshops with >40 industry experts from more than ten industries identified and validated ten key R&D performance measures. All industry experts involved are members of an innovation network, additionally accounting for innovation network effects. In contrast to earlier research, some of the measures like degree of anticipation of internal customer needs were perceived both by the survey respondents and the focus groups as key measures, indicating that behavioral measures should not be excluded per se. However, the importance of external validity of R&D performance or indicators to measure performance in relation to activities outside the R&D department were not confirmed. Hence, we partly confirm the relevance of the original “R&D Lab” measures, contributing a more granular level, thereby drawing implications for future research and practice.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on innovation, as measured by the emergence of dominant designs. A negative impact is substantiated theoretically and empirically, based on longitudinal patent data from the OECD. This study also finds evidence for the moderating impact of globalization on the relationship between innovative performance and the emergence of dominant design. Thus, globalization is more important with regard to the establishment of dominant designs than it was before the financial crisis of 2008. Further, it is found that following the crisis, science-based industries tend to have more dominant designs than other industries.

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

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 major concern of employees during times of war and conflict is apparently physical survival. But how are top managers of small‐sized companies enhancing the generation of novel and useful ideas by their employees in such physically dangerous business environments? In Afghanistan, as a war‐torn country, this research examined for the first time how getting closer to employees—which is conceptualized as internal marketing orientation culture in our study—directly affects the generation of novel and useful ideas by employees in the workplace. Our analysis is based on survey data from 81 newly established small‐sized companies in Afghanistan. Results indicate a mediating role of employees' perceived psychological safety on the relationship between internal market orientation culture and employees' creative work involvement. Moreover, we discuss the impact of employees' creative work involvement on small‐sized firm competitiveness improvement in general. Finally, we extend our implications in the context of the componential theory model of creativity, which might also serve as a framework for future research.

Abstract

This paper uses horizon scanning as a foresight methodology to investigate the opportunities, challenges and futures of ICT for health and ageing, particularly focusing on identifying the ethical and social issues associated with this sector. It uses empirical evidence gained from the analysis of interviews, literature reviews, and policy documents to identify the primary signals within the areas of future technologies, future environments, future companies, and future older people. In addition, we build on contemporary internet-based discussions amongst the general public and the ICT start-up sector to identify weak signals regarding ethical and social issues, based on and around these areas. Our findings show that the key ethical and social issues identified are concerned with the issue of the elderly being seen as collections of diseases, the human face of ICT, privacy and informed consent, autonomy, stereotyping of older people, and general anxieties around ICTs. We conclude our paper with recommendations for addressing these ethical and social concerns, specifically through the adoption of responsible research and innovation practices.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on innovation, as measured by the emergence of dominant designs. A negative impact is substantiated theoretically and empirically, based on longitudinal patent data from the OECD. This study also finds evidence for the moderating impact of globalization on the relationship between innovative performance and the emergence of dominant design. Thus, globalization is more important with regard to the establishment of dominant designs than it was before the financial crisis of 2008. Further, it is found that following the crisis, science-based industries tend to have more dominant designs than other industries.

Abstract

In contrast to developed nations, where the crowdfunding system is well established, in developing regions of Asia and especially Africa, this system is still in its infancy. As a step to address this discrepancy, two crowdfunding systems from the North African region are analyzed through the specific translation phases of the actor-network theory. This study identifies nine key actors in the crowdfunding system within a North African context and also dichotomizes them into primary and secondary actors based on their role in the development of the network. The study also highlights different technical and regulatory challenges, such as the establishment of legal regulatory framework, restrictions on capital access, and business investment associated with North African crowdfunding systems.

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

Technologies like computer vision, advanced sensors, internet of things, 3D printing, big data, or artificial intelligence are penetrating all facets of the industrial value chains. Hence, industry is engaged in an accelerated automation race where industrial automation converts value chains into intelligent, data-driven systems. This generates new business models and spurs firm competitiveness in general. Companies thus pay attention to the development, acquisition, and incorporation of related technologies to profit from these developments in specific. For this, they must incorporate external flows of knowledge to succeed in innovation. Yet, there is a dearth of research that links open innovation to the incorporation of industrial automation, and to firm performance. Hence, this paper takes a knowledge-based view of the firm and sheds light on the moderating role of the processes of open innovation on the economic results of firms’ subject to automation. In order to do so, we estimate the impact of the interaction of open innovation and automation on firm turnover using panel data for 5287 Spanish firms from a variety of manufacture and service industries. We separate the effects for different open-innovation partners and find that turnover is increased for those automating firms that engage in open innovation with suppliers. These results indicate that suppliers possess the knowledge required for successful automation, and firms that innovate together with suppliers fare better at leveraging investments in automation. In addition, automating firms should exercise caution when choosing collaboration partners from the same country.

Abstract

In recent years, frugal innovation and its antecedents have gained significant attention in both theory and practice. However, the vast majority of research focuses mainly on China and India and their bottom of the pyramid (BoP) customers. Against this background, our research investigates frugal innovation and its reception in Brazil. We analyse six Brazilian company cases (three multinational corporations and three small- and medium-sized enterprises) in terms of frugal product development, product characteristics, and commercialisation approaches, as well as compare these organisations with findings from Asian lead markets. Our results confirm that the principal dimensions of frugal innovation are cost-effectiveness and ease of use. However, the findings also contradict the paradigm that frugal innovation must be essentially low-cost. Based on these results, we propose a twofold approach to the cost criterion that differentiates between the companys and the customers perspective and focuses on value-based pricing. Further, distinctive product features, branding, and specific marketing activities are crucial for successful frugal innovation in Brazil. This research extends the classification of frugal innovation in prior literature and suggests understanding frugal dimensions as a set of building blocks that can be flexibly applied to frugal product development depending on the context and regional requirement

Abstract

This study focuses on the dilemmas that social entrepreneurs encounter, and the practices used to manage dilemmas over time. Using a multi-method approach involving event structure analysis and an inductive multiple case study, we find four key organizational practices—asset multiplication, leveraging human capital, social embeddedness and affordable quality —that embody jugaad elements of frugality and inclusivity. Adding to social entrepreneurship literature, this study demonstrates that the jugaad approach is conceptually distinct from bricolage and relevant to study resource mobilization processes of social enterprises.

Abstract

User Experience (UX) describes the holistic experience of a user before, during, and after interaction with a platform, product, or service. UX adds value and attraction to their sole functionality and is therefore highly relevant for firms. The increased interest in UX has produced a vast amount of scholarly research since 1983. The research field is, therefore, complex and scattered. Conducting a bibliometric analysis, we aim at structuring the field quantitatively and rather abstractly. We employed citation analyses, co-citation analyses, and content analyses to evaluate productivity and impact of extant research. We suggest that future research should focus more on business and management related topics.

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

The Lean Startup approach and its related Minimum Viable Product thinking is one of the key trends not only in entrepreneurship, but also in more and more established companies. Before this background, this paper experimentally investigates whether and how the Lean Startup approach improves innovation processes in established companies. For this, the overall experiment had 23 participants, the outcome was then matched against a control group and evaluated through a survey with 146 representatives of the target group of the product. The results show that the Lean Startup approach outperforms the traditional approach and that this method improves the success rate of innovation ideas and thus supports the learning philosophy within established companies. Moreover, the experiment revealed a superior performance, especially relating to financial output. Based on these results, implications for research and companies are discussed, as well as limitations and further research suggestions.

Abstract

Phonetic research on the prosodic sources of perceived charisma has taken a big step towards making a speaker’s tone-of-voice a tangible, quantifiable, and trainable matter. However, the tone-of-voice includes a complex bundle of acoustic features, and a lot of parameters have not even been looked at so far. Moreover, all previous studies focused on political or religious leaders and left aside the large field of managers and CEOs in the world of business. These are the two research gaps addressed in the present study. An acoustic analysis of about 1,350 prosodic phrases from keynotes given by a more charismatic CEO (Steve Jobs) and a less charismatic CEO (Mark Zuckerberg) suggests that the same tone-of-voice settings that make political or religious leaders sound more charismatic also work for business speakers. In addition, results point to further charisma-relevant acoustic parameters related to rhythm, emphasis, pausing, and voice quality - as well as to audience type as a significant context factor. The findings are discussed with respect to implications for future perception oriented studies and perspectives for a computer-based measurement, assessment, and training of a charismatic tone of voice.

Abstract

Prospective surveys are a common research mode used to establish a profound decision base for R&D investments, technological innovation, and policy making. The challenge faced by participants of such surveys, particularly if conducted via impersonal survey modes (e.g., mail or online surveys), is the limited ability to clarify contextual issues. Related research in socio‐psychology refers to language vagueness as abstractness, cautioning that abstract language and the way people interpret information are related. We apply Construal Level Theory and the Linguistic Category Model from linguistic sciences to the context of prospective surveys and examine the effects of abstract language and its related amount of information on panelists' response behavior. Based upon 32,000 observations, our research reveals that higher abstractness and greater amount of information reduce the clarity of the respondents' assessments of survey questions. In particular, abstract language and lengthy questions lead to less extreme assessments and a reduced response variance of panelists.

Abstract

The rising use of crowdfunding makes it important for project initiators to know how they can increase the likelihood of success of their crowdfunding campaign. The effects of using social media, although relatively easy to do via most crowdfunding platforms, have not yet been analysed in greater detail in scientific research. We address this research gap by investigating the effects of social media reach and utilisation on measures of reward-based crowdfunding success, based on an analysis of 230 projects from the crowdfunding platform wemakeit. Our results show that social media reach via the number of social media accounts that belong to the project and the number of accounts that belong to the project initiator increases the number of investors and the percentage of the funding goal that is obtained. Furthermore, social media reach via the size of the projects’ and the individuals’ social networks has not been found to be important for crowdfunding success. Social media utilisation in regard to the amount of content shared is found to be positively associated with crowdfunding success.

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

The interaction of creativity, innovation and sustainability is gaining momentum, but a lot more research is necessary. Some potential (not binding) areas of investigation for creativity and innovation are novel and useful conceptual definitions and theoretical framings of sustainability, as well as ideas for how to solve environmental and social problems with implications for sustainability. In addition, there is a high need for different methodological approaches to conduct research on sustainability, which might come from different fields like sociology or engineering. Before this background, this article introduces a conceptual framing of creativity, innovation and sustainability.

Abstract

Purpose Successful innovation requires a significant financial commitment. We therefore investigate the relation between internal and external financing and the degree of innovation in European firms. Methodology We carry out an empirical investigation using a longitudinal data set including 146 large, quoted, European firms over ten years, resulting in 1460 firm years. Findings We find that only firms in the energy sector will be more innovative when they are profitable. For the sectors of basic materials, manufacture, and construction, services, financial and property services, and technology and telecommunications, profitability is negatively related to innovation. External financing in the form of debt reduces the focus on innovation in profitable firms. Research Implication We analyze the findings through the lens of evolutionary economics. The model is not valid for firms in the consumer goods sector, which indicates a need for adapting the model to each sector. We conclude that the impact of profitability on innovation varies across sectors, with debt financing as a moderating factor. Originality To best of our knowledge, this is the first study analyzing internal and external financing and the degree of innovation in European firms on a longitudinal basis.

Abstract

Crowdfunding has become a key research trend in recent years providing a new form of acquiring funding for innovation projects from users prior to the realization of the product in a ‘market before the market’. In this paper, we link the concept of crowdfunding with the user innovation phenomenon and show how user innovators harness crowdfunding to complement their innovative behavior and obtain funding to build firms and produce products in a more professional way. Conducting three case studies ranging from low- to high-tech crowdfunding campaigns, we investigate how crowdfunding impacts constituent dimensions of user innovation theory such as user motivation, user role, user community, collaboration between users and user investments. In particular, we argue that crowdfunding platforms (CFPs) may give rise to a more widespread occurrence of user entrepreneurs, who found a firm to commercialize their product or service in a marketplace they have created for their own need. Hence, we show the development from traditional user innovation to crowdfunding-enabled user innovation, which democratizes not only the creation but also the more large-scale commercialization of new products and service

Abstract

There is a limited understanding of the antecedents and consequences of employee vitality during war zone exposure. The current study is one of the first ones to investigate the direct effects of perceived danger on employee vitality by collecting data from Afghanistan, one of the most dangerous countries in the world. Furthermore, it was investigated how employee vitality affects sustainable behavior at the workplace. The hypotheses of the study have been tested by using data from two surveys collected from 192 employees working in small-sized private businesses in Afghanistan. The results indicate that high levels of perceived danger negatively impact employee vitality at work. In addition, we found that employees with vitality engage in more pro-environmental behavior in the workplace. The engagement of vital employees in pro-environmental behavior is higher among those employees who have a high level of environmental awareness. This paper concludes by presenting the limitations and implications of this study, as well as highlighting potential avenues for future research.

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

Managers need to actively drive the growth of innovation ecosystems. This paper describes the obstacles companies face when commercializing innovations and identifies strategies for overcoming these barriers through activating innovation ecosystems. We explore three ecosystems at different stages of maturity, namely San Francisco, Barcelona, and Nairobi, and derive a taxonomy of strategies for activating innovation ecosystems with regard to the maturity of the ecosystem. The paper thus contributes to the wealth of knowledge concerning the commercialization of innovations in general and within innovation ecosystems in particular. We fill a gap in the understanding of the stages of maturity of innovation ecosystems, and the corresponding actions required by managers and policy makers. Policy makers and other actors can incentivize ecosystem development through adapting initiatives to the maturity of the ecosystem in question.

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

Technologies like computer vision, advanced sensors, internet of things, 3D printing, big data, or artificial intelligence are penetrating all facets of the industrial value chains. Hence, industry is engaged in an accelerated automation race where industrial automation converts value chains into intelligent, data-driven systems. This generates new business models and spurs firm competitiveness in general. Companies thus pay attention to the development, acquisition, and incorporation of related technologies to profit from these developments in specific. For this, they must incorporate external flows of knowledge to succeed in innovation. Yet, there is a dearth of research that links open innovation to the incorporation of industrial automation, and to firm performance. Hence, this paper takes a knowledge-based view of the firm and sheds light on the moderating role of the processes of open innovation on the economic results of firms’ subject to automation. In order to do so, we estimate the impact of the interaction of open innovation and automation on firm turnover using panel data for 5287 Spanish firms from a variety of manufacture and service industries. We separate the effects for different open-innovation partners and find that turnover is increased for those automating firms that engage in open innovation with suppliers. These results indicate that suppliers possess the knowledge required for successful automation, and firms that innovate together with suppliers fare better at leveraging investments in automation. In addition, automating firms should exercise caution when choosing collaboration partners from the same country.

Abstract

Creativity workshops are a common way of involving employees and other stakeholders in innovative endeavors. However, not much is known about how to successfully plan and execute such innovation workshops, especially for people with no specific expertise in this field. This paper introduces a creativity workshop setup, which can serve as a blueprint for different kinds of workshops where the creation of novel ideas is the goal. In order to achieve this, a basic distinction of creativity techniques is provided, as well as a structured overview of a creativity workshop implementation structure and time plan. The paper closes by identifying typical mental barriers for decision makers that should be taken into consideration when planning such workshops.

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

This research is an approach to connect creativity and multicultural experiences (MCEs): we give insights into how and what type of MCE influences people’s perceptive abilities such as creativity. We offer one of the first empirical examinations that links the perception of creativity concept to strategy of acculturation. This study addresses an often-mentioned research gap by examining laypersons’ ability to perceive different levels of creativity. For this, a sample of 195 participants from 26 countries with and without MCE was researched. Findings indicate that attitudes as well as personal and professional goals apparently influence people’s creativity perception. The acculturation strategy integration seems to be a determining factor in this respect. As MCE has become a firm part of many people’s CV, the present paper adds to an omnipresent phenomenon in today’s society, which is worth studying.

Abstract

The innovation of products, services, and business models is key to firm survival, performance, and growth in today’s turbulent business environments. However, accelerating environmental dynamics also require speeding up the innovation process. A suitable solution may be the use of agility, especially at the front end of innovation. In this study, we aim to identify agility enablers in this first stage of the innovation process. We follow a two-step procedure. First, we review existing agility frameworks and find that several agility enablers are already discussed, but no holistic framework exists yet. Second, we conduct qualitative expert interviews to obtain a better understanding of additional enablers and enabler attributes. By comparing the theoretical and managerial sources, we find gaps in each side’s attention. As a result, we introduce a novel, agile front end of innovation framework that helps firms pay attention to agility enablers that can speed up the innovation process.

Abstract

Most of the firms currently in the S&P 500 probably will not be there in 15 years. In times of great uncertainty, managers are called upon to make the right strategic choices, preserve core businesses, and prepare their organizations for the future. How can managers make these choices when the industry is under transformation? In this article, 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, in which traditional business models eroded quickly and dominant players lost their positions. Based on personal interviews with the CEOs of RWE (Germany) and NRG Energy (U.S.), we analyze how these executives led transformation of their organizations. We get immersed in their decision-making processes and depict how the VUCA framework helps 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. (C) 2018 Kelley School of Business, Indiana University. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Abstract

An increase in the number of companies that publish corporate social responsibility (CSR) statements, and a rise in their ‘sustainability’ research, reflects a growing acceptance that broad ethical considerations are key for any type of company. However, little is known about how companies consider moral objectives for their research and development (R&D) activities, or the basis upon which these activities are chosen. This research involves qualitative investigation into Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) industry, comprising 30 in-depth, pan-European interviews with key personnel in the industry, and focus groups with employees at 14 different companies. Through investigation of the ‘responsible’ activities these companies currently undertake, we shed light on the types of moral goals they set and their underlying ethical standpoints. By reviewing both the responsible innovation and sustainability discourses, and presenting phenomenological evidence, we demonstrate that companies have adopted some aspects of RRI, even though it might not be recognised as such. Our findings indicate that these innovators recognise some of the ethical and societal concerns associated with their activities but their approach is often piecemeal; primary focus is upon the most immediate issues and on legal compliance, to the detriment of broader societal issues and wider challenges. We recommend explicit mechanisms that draw upon established ethical thought and practical academic work to improve companies’ abilities to carry out their sustainability activities, and incorporate them into a responsible business strategy. We conclude with recommendations for innovators, corporate research and development, and policy

Abstract

Syndication or co-investment is a potent way of pooling resources among peer Venture Capital (VC) firms. This is even more vital for Foreign VC firms (FVCFs) when investing in destinations that are geographically distant from their countries of origin. Although FVCFs are relatively abundantly endowed in terms of financial capital, they are distinctly disadvantaged in terms of their social capital when investing in geographies that are distinctly different in terms of their institutions, norms, and culture from their own. One of the ways in which FVCFs overcome this impediment is by investing in human resources that serve as a bridge between their financial and social capital. Accordingly, the primary aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between the resources of FVCFs and their syndication intensity. Using the technique of logistic regression, we arrive at several interesting findings. FVCFs with a greater proportion of investment executives with prior founding experience in India and those with lower proportions of professionals of Indian origin demonstrate lower syndication intensity. Similarly, the syndication intensity diminishes with the increase in size of the investing team. FVCFs with greater fund size demonstrate a lower need for syndication. Greater endowment of social capital as proxied by the age of the VC firm is seen to enhance the syndication intensity.

Abstract

In recent years, there has been a shift in the epicenter of innovation from developed to emerging markets. Western multinationals are increasingly harnessing the potential of emerging markets by setting up local subsidiaries and developing frugal and reverse innovations. This study is an attempt to explore this shift and investigate the process of development of these innovations using a case study analysis approach. The study analyzes the case of a technology-based Danish multinational (MNC) and explores how frugal innovations in India and China are developed. Based on nine interviews with leading R&D experts, the results provide evidence for the ongoing innovation shift and offer insights into the development of frugal products in local R&D projects. Growing traction towards reverse innovation, where MNCs are developing frugal products for global markets is also an important finding. <

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

When implementing social media strategies on Facebook brand pages, companies focus on factors that prompt electronic Word-of-Mouth (eWoM) about brand contents. This study examines individual and collective factors that lead to brand content sharing behaviors. The research conducts a field study of a real brand on its Facebook fan page to gather actual behavioral data. Both declarative and behavioral data are used to explain brand eWoM, based on 250 participants. Empirical results show that the Facebook activity has a positive influence on brand content sharing for active users (posters) but not for nonactive users (lurkers), while brand engagement positively affects brand content sharing for both active and nonactive users. Furthermore, brand community involvement does not have an influence on brand content sharing. Findings offer companies useful recommendations for using the determinants included in our research design to understand and analyze the sharing behaviors of users.

Abstract

Customer capital has attracted a great deal of attention among marketing scholars in recent years. This study explores at first the links between customer capital with firm innovativeness (i.e., the ability to generate new ideas and actions within firms) and customer response speed (i.e., the ability to respond to the customers’ needs immediately). Furthermore, it is analysed how firms’ marketing capability mediates these relationships. For this, a unique environment in post-sanctions Iran is chosen. By using the original survey data from 107 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), our results confirm that durable relationships that a company builds with its customers over the time enhance the market information within firms. This, in turn, enables firms to respond faster to market changes with innovative products and services. Furthermore, the lifetime relationship with the customers enhances the awareness of firms about customers’ needs and demands in a timely manner. Accordingly, it accelerates the process of responding the customers’ requirements before competitors can catch up.

Abstract

The rising use of crowdfunding makes it important for project initiators to know how they can increase the likelihood of success of their crowdfunding campaign. The effects of using social media, although relatively easy to do via most crowdfunding platforms, have not yet been analyzed in greater detail in scientific research. We address this research gap by investigating the effects of social media reach and utilization on measures of reward-based crowdfunding success, based on an analysis of 230 projects from the crowdfunding platform wemakeit. Our results show that social media reach via the number of social media accounts that belong to the project and the number of accounts that belong to the project initiator increases the number of investors and the percentage of the funding goal that is obtained. Furthermore, social media reach via the size of the projects’ and the individuals’ social networks has not been found to be important for crowdfunding success. Social media utilization in regard to the amount of content shared is found to be positively associated with crowdfunding success.

Abstract

Crowdfunding is a remarkable phenomenon in the field of financing, as it is evolving in theory and practice. However, most research is focused on non-equity based campaigns. Hence, we shed light on a yet under researched aspect: B2B and B2C-companies reaching for equity-based crowdfunding. We chose an empirical approach and conducted a quantitative study among almost 300 participants to reveal the difference between the funding decisions for startups located in either B2B or B2C-markets. Our results show that differences in investments between B2B and B2C firms do exist, revealing that other success factors are necessary in those cases. Moreover, we find that the involvement of the investor as lead user has relevance for the decision to invest in both cases. We conclude with implications for theory and practice, and give suggestions for future researc

Abstract

Companies have long used various approaches for organizing employees’ time related to creative and routine tasks as a means to improve their innovative performance. In this paper, we examine how work schedule autonomy affects individuals’ creative and routine performance. We then evaluate noncommissioned time models. Results of laboratory experiments with in total 233 participants reveal that while average routine performance is not affected by schedule autonomy, the effect of schedule autonomy on creative performance depends on the subject’s impulsiveness. There is evidence for an inverse relationship between schedule autonomy and creative performance among subjects of low impulsiveness. Hence, our results indicate that the optimal management policy depends on the manager’s focus on creative or routine performance and the types of employees the manager supervises. For routine performance, the creativity time model has no significant impact. But for creative tasks, creative performance goes down – only highly impulsive people do not have this effect. We found that the performance of lowly impulsive subjects in the spontaneous time model (compared to the predetermined time model) suffers more than performance of highly impulsive subjects. For all levels of impulsiveness, routine performance does not differ across treatments.

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

Purpose The approach of Western companies to internationalise their R&D by establishing R&D sites in emerging markets (EMs) has led to a discussion about the role of R&D in home markets and host markets. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on the evolution of foreign R&D sites of Western companies in EMs and their role using China as the empirical context. Design/methodology/approach The study uses the State Intellectual Property Office database, and investigates about 2,000 patent families of the top 14 Western patent applicants in China. Findings The results indicate a gradual shift from an exploitative to an exploratory role of R&D sites in China. The study also shows evident learning effects on Western R&D from local counterparts. Research limitations/implications The paper motivates further research of R&D internationalisation approaches within EMs, and explores the changing role of local subsidiaries. While the study is only focussed on China, the applicability of the results is limited in context of other countries, due to cultural, economic and legislative differences. Practical implications This study shows the increasing importance of EMs such as China and how these markets, known for imitations and cheap resources, are gradually moving towards innovations and creating new technologies locally. Originality/value Based on the patent analysis, this study shows the growing importance of the local R&D subsidiaries of Western multinationals in Chin

Abstract

Crowdfunding plays an important role as an alternative funding source for technology ventures. No earlier studies particularly investigated the importance of social interactions during such crowdfunding campaigns. Hence, we particularly take the interaction between the project owner and the community as well as among community members into account. We empirically investigated potential success factors for crowdfunding projects of entrepreneurs on the base of 430 projects from the German crowdfunding platform Visionbakery. Our results show that social interaction during a crowdfunding campaign indeed increases the likelihood of its success. As comments from crowd members on particular projects might be positive or negative and can also provide additional argumentation or raise questions, comments can cause a dialog among crowd members. This shows that herding might not only be related to the number of contributors but also to their shared attributes and perceptions. Our discussion of theoretical and managerial implications closes with recommendations for future research on this evolving topic.

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

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

The responsibility of industry towards society and the environment is a much discussed topic, both in academia and in business. Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) has recently emerged as a new concept with the potential to advance this discourse in light of two major challenges industry is facing today. The first relates to the accelerating race to innovate in order to stay competitive in a rapidly changing world. The second concerns the need to maintain public trust in industry through innovations that generate social value in addition to economic returns. This Special Issue provides empirical and conceptual contributions that explore corporate motivations to adopt RRI, the state of implementation of concrete RRI practices, the role of stakeholders in responsible innovation processes, as well as drivers and barriers to the further diffusion of RRI in industry. Overall, these contributions highlight the relevance of RRI for firms of different sizes and sectors. They also provide insights and suggestions for managers, policymakers and researchers wishing to engage with responsibility in innovation. This editorial summarizes the most pertinent conclusions across the individual articles published in this Special Issue and concludes by outlining some fruitful avenues for future research in this spac

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

Emerging markets are considered to have huge economic potential, both for entrepreneurs and established firms. To foster innovation in these markets, it is important that customers and companies use the same terminology, with the same understanding of key terms. But is this really the case? Based on eight product requirements, this research empirically analyzes the perception of emerging market innovation terminologies. For this, we use the case of the Indian healthcare sector. On the one hand Voice of Customer method was used to gather the product requirements from the customers. On the other hand, Analytic Hierarchy Process technique was employed to identify the preferences for both product managers and customers. Our results confirm the high level of importance of ‘affordable value innovations’ and ‘ease of use functionality’ for new products introduced in emerging markets. Interestingly, the category ‘products with low or no maintenance or consumables’ comes high on the preference map for the customers but seems to be a blind spot from the manufacturers' perspective. This result opens opportunities for entrepreneurs focusing on new customer bases in emerging markets and also for various corporate entrepreneurship activities.

Abstract

To date, scholarly understanding of external dimensions of market driving for the purposes of ‘societal change’ is largely unexplored in both developed and emerging market contexts. This paper uses a multiple case study approach to understand how market driving social enterprises (across the hybrid spectrum) create societal change in emerging markets. By drawing on Scott's (1995) three-part conceptualization of institutional legitimacy, this study explores how regulative, normative and cognitive legitimacies are invoked by market driving social enterprises at the Bottom of the Pyramid (BoP). Key contributions of the study show that all three dimensions of legitimacy are relevant but they need to be invoked in a specific order based on necessary and optional conditions. An implication of the study is that market driving through societal change can lead to the construction of new and more inclusive healthcare market

Abstract

The management of natural environments has become a fundamental issue for companies in recent years. A firm’s environmental commitment affects all levels of its operation. In this study, we investigated whether having an effective and constant relationship with customers over time (customer capital) makes a difference to firms with a high environmental commitment compared with less environmentally committed firms. We found support for our idea by using original survey data from 149 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Iran (2016–2017). Furthermore, we found that customer capital enhances environmental collaboration with customers which, in turn, has a positive impact on the firm’s environmental commitments. These findings provide empirical evidence for the important role of “getting closer to customers” as a way of enhancing corporate environmental responsibility in developing countries with weak institutional environments.

Abstract

Styles of thinking set different paths for an entrepreneur’s perception and strategic action. In order to understand the environmental consequences of a thinking style, we investigated the relations between entrepreneurs’ linear and nonlinear styles of thinking with their perception of environmental uncertainty in their businesses. Furthermore, we tested the effect of the entrepreneurs’ linear and nonlinear style of thinking on their newly established firms’ orientation towards preserving the surrounding internal and external environment. Entrepreneurs with linear or rational thinking styles prefer more tangible data, information, facts, and analytical tools, and entrepreneurs with nonlinear or non-rational thinking styles rely more on internal feelings, impressions, imagination, creativity, and sensations when making important organizational decisions. By using cross-sectional survey data from 144 entrepreneurs in post-sanction Iran (2016–2017), we found that entrepreneurs with a linear style of thinking, in comparison to entrepreneurs with a nonlinear style of thinking, perceive a higher level of environmental state, effect, and response uncertainty in their business context. Furthermore, our survey results reveal that newly established firms by entrepreneurs with nonlinear styles of thinking have a more external environmental orientation, while newly established firms by entrepreneurs with a linear style of thinking have a more internal environmental orientation. Recognizing this contingency advances our understanding of how entrepreneurs perceive and enact their environment

Abstract

Make-or-buy decisions on technology-intensive components represent a key task in the management of technologies. Against this background, this paper presents an analysis of a technology company which gave key insights into their make-or-buy decisions on the strategic and operative level. The results show two kinds of make-or-buy decisions, called type 1 and type 2. In contrast to type 1 make-or-buy decisions whose scope is mostly limited to the production and quality function, type 2 decisions are strongly linked to engineering and R&D activities. Moreover, two new decision matrices are introduced: a ‘product/subsystem aggregation’ scheme and a ‘make-or-buy controlling’ matrix. In an environment in which companies move towards greater use of outsourcing, the framework ensures that company strategy and core competencies are followed in the long run despite short-range deviations of make-or-buy analysis results. These findings might be helpful and suitable to other manufacturing companies that deal with technology-intensive components on a strategic and operative level.

Abstract

Earlier research on the lead user method is focused on individual case studies and how the method was applied in a specific context. In this paper, we take a broader approach, analyzing  sample of 24 lead user projects, which included working with 188 lead users. These projects were analyzed regarding their specific processes, resources, challenges, and success factors, using the data of an open innovation intermediary. The key fnding is that a refinement and elaboration phase and the integration of designers are crucial success factors which, to date, have not been included in the literature. Moreover, crowdsourcing contests and netnography proved to be of significant value for the need, trend, and lead user identication phases. This paper concludes by discussing theoretical and practical implications, the limitations of this study, and recommendations for future studies.

Abstract

We study the process of international diffusion, global contestation, and local deinstitutionalization of a controversial practice, identifying the mechanisms used by proponents and opponents of the practice across multiple institutional environments and constituents. We draw on international diffusion, deinstitutionalization, and power theory to study the emergence and diffusion of the third-party ownership practice in the soccer industry. We use an inductive case study combining archival and interview data to study the determinants of the international diffusion of the practice, the changes in the power structure in the market as the practice was adopted at a global scale, and finally the contestation and deinstitutionalization process that resulted from the ban of the practice. We find that the opacity of the practice can be a diffusion driver, locally and at the international level, nevertheless as the practice transforms the market structure and allows new actors to gain power, a global contestation is triggered through problematization and emotional resonance by insiders with institutional power positions in the market. This article advances in our understanding of the multilevel governance mechanisms and power dynamics that might support international diffusion but also contestation and eventual deinstitutionalization of a practice.

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 action

Abstract

This paper explores telecare as one of the practical applications in the field of e-health. Using 11 expert interviews the study evaluates development of cross-national analogies between the different institutional contexts of health systems in Germany, Austria, and Denmark. Telecare is treated as a set of ideas regarding future processes in health and home care services, involving technological solutions, starting to change stakeholders' behaviour, work practices, and social roles. A system-centric framework is proposed to evaluate the interdependencies between telecare, the changing relationships, and the institutional context. Complexity and documentation requirements were identified as major hindrances to the improvement of efficiency and quality of health outcomes in Austria and Germany. On the contrary, in Denmark, governmental guidance supporting patient-centered approaches was found to be driving socially innovative solutions. Implications for research and practice, as well as future research directions, are elaborate

Abstract

The key question of this paper is which components have to be considered when transforming an organisation into a learning organisation that attracts and retains the new generation of employees. To answer this question, a conceptual framework is developed, based on an extensive literature review. Additionally, the authors introduce how Adidas, as one of the world's top sports brands, is managing such a transformation. Data were gained from direct observations of the project on-site and expert meetings, as well as from analysis of internal company documents. This results in an extension of the conceptual framework by adding case specific characteristics. Hence, the purpose of this paper is to deliver a model that can be used as an orientation in today's corporate environment to follow all steps of the learning transformation in proper sequence and to consider all relevant elements. One finding is that companies have to be aware of the demands of new learners, which needs to be a leading principle for companies that implement a learning transformation. In subsequent processes, the organisation has to create clear objectives, implement a suitable corporate culture and establish learning spaces, followed by launching and promoting all the various ways of learnin

Abstract

Entrepreneurs often struggle to find sufficient funding for their start-ups. A relatively new way for companies to attract capital is via an internet platform, locating investors who in return receive something in return for their ventures. Equity crowdfunding is one of several types of crowdfunding, and is also known as crowdinvesting in the German-speaking realm. This article predominantly advances the scientific knowledge regarding the success factors of equity crowdfunding for German start-ups. The study conducted nine qualitative interviews with start-ups and crowdinvesting platforms. Its first result is that German start-ups select crowdinvesting because (1) it is a funding opportunity and (2) it has an expected marketing effect. To organize the results of relevant success factors, the Crowdinvesting Success Model was designed by the researchers. This supports German entrepreneurs by presenting 20 important success elements that help to increase the capital collected during a campaign. The key finding is that an attractive business model, an appropriate preparation in the pre-campaign period, ongoing activities during the campaign, and corresponding advertising activities have a positive impact on a German start-up's crowdinvesting campaign's chances of success. The article closes with implications for theory and practice, as well as further research suggestion

Abstract

Research on exploitation and exploration in firms has attracted a lot of attention in recent years; however, it seems to have an uneven spread because when it comes to the entrepreneur on an individual level, less research has been undertaken so far. This paper is based on an extensive literature review with a bibliographic analysis approach, in combination with a systematic content analysis. The results give an overview of research streams from an organisational and an individual level of analysis. Based on that, a conceptual framework is presented which links entrepreneurial orientation with entrepreneurial behaviour through a strategic learning process, facilitated through 'opening' and 'closing' behaviours in different organisational setups. This framework offers several avenues for further research, which seems so far to be quite segmented and macro-level oriented.

Abstract

There is a consensus among scholars that real options reasoning is crucial for improving project performance but there has been little empirical support thus far; hence, we explore how real options reasoning may influence project timeliness, efficiency, and effectiveness. Our longitudinal analysis of 110 electronic commerce projects, drawn from new technology ventures, indicated the differential effects of real options reasoning on project performance. We find that higher uncertainty does not always lead to a greater use of real options reasoning. Although perceived environmental state uncertainty is positively linked to real options, perceived environmental effect and response uncertainty are no

Abstract

Constraint-based innovations are innovations that are conceived under conditions of scarcity for resource-constrained markets, often referred to as Bottom of pyramid (BoP) marketplace. One such type of constraint-based innovation, frugal innovation (also the focus of this study) has played an impor- tant role in providing affordable and accessible products and services to the customers at BoP.This study examines one of the successful frugal innovations from the Indian financial sector called Vortex solar based transaction systems (commonly known as rural ATMs) and offers a comprehensive analysis on the incorporated bottom-up product development process and innovation drivers. Study highlights the nine specific innovative design features of these machines that were mainly designed based on core customer requirements and unique challenges. Analysis reveals the importance of cost effective, easy to operate and sustainable solutions for customers at BoP and also showcase how frugal innovations are also facilitating solutions to address larger societal problems. 

Abstract

Responsible research and innovation (RRI) is an approach to research and innovation governance aiming to ensure that research purpose, process and outcomes are acceptable, sustainable and even desirable. In order to achieve this ambitious aim, RRI must be relevant to research and innovation in industry. In this paper, we discuss a way of understanding and representing RRI that resonates with private companies and lends itself to practical implementation and action. We propose the development of an RRI maturity model in the tradition of other well-established maturity models, linked with a corporate research and development (R&D) process. The foundations of this model lie in the discourse surrounding RRI and selected maturity models from other domains as well as the results of extensive empirical investigation. The model was tested in three industry environments and insights from these case studies show the model to be viable and useful in corporate innovation processes. With this approach, we aim to inspire further research and evaluation of the proposed maturity model as a tool for facilitating the integration of RRI in corporate managemen

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

Prototyping can be seen as the heart of the innovation process. Typically, engineers and designers both work on prototyping activities, but their diverse backgrounds make for different perspectives on prototyping. Based on earlier literature, this study investigates commonalities and differences in the prototyping behavior of engineers and designers. For this study, semi-structured interviews and workshops with different experiments were conducted. Using low-fidelity prototypes, our results indicated that there are differences in the early phase of prototyping. Engineers focused on the features and functions of a prototype and needed to meet specific goals in order to push the process forward. Designers, on the other hand, used prototypes to investigate the design space for new possibilities, and were more open to a variety of prototyping materials and tools, especially for low-fidelity prototypes. In the later prototyping phases, the prototyping behaviors of engineers and designers became similar. Our study contributes to the understanding of prototyping purposes, activities, and processes across disciplines, and supports the management of prototyping in new product development processe

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

For many companies, differentiating their offerings from competitors' value propositions is becoming increasingly challenging. In order to formulate convincing value propositions, a holistic approach is required that takes human perception and sensation into consideration. This article assesses the role of haptics in multisensory product design. It systematically reviews previous research, illustrates factors affecting haptic perception and sheds light on the processing of haptic input. This article serves to illustrate how haptic input activates processes that affect human perception of products and ultimately alters behavior and thus substantiates its role in multisensory innovation and product desig

Abstract

Most academics and practitioner agree that design and business are interdependent and complementing. But in its application, differences appear. Hence, this article describes the frictions between design and business philosophy in practice by describing and discussing different approaches to creativity workshops, which usually are design's and business' starting and meeting point for intentional innovation. For this, seven distinctive areas for the planning and execution of creativity workshops are compared and discussed. Finally, our conclusion sums the potential of both views up for further research.

Abstract

Literature on the champion theory proposes the informal character of the champion’s role and also notes difficulties in institutionalizing it. Nevertheless, formally institutionalized roles that seem to fit the description of a champion can be recognized in organizations, especially as enablers of open innovation activities. However, research cannot answer how this institutionalization occurs and which factors influence it. To answer these questions, we investigate a unique single case in which a champion role was institutionalized in the purchasing department of a multinational company. The new role’s task is to identify, select, and integrate supplier innovations. Our results indicate that the informal role of the champion can be successfully institutionalized when certain success factors are considered, which are management commitment, use of success stories, and matching of champions with research and development teams. We contribute to innovation management literature by using the well-established champion theory to explain how and why large multinational companies formally establish the role of the innovation champion. Our research offers pathways for further research about both, the antecedents and the consequences of role formalization. Practitioners can build on the success factors derived in this study when formally implementing innovation champions as enablers of open innovation activities.

Abstract

New entrants in technology-intense industries are in a race to build legitimacy in order to compete with established players. Legitimacy has been identified as a driver of venture survival and growth; it helps mitigate third-party uncertainty and so facilitates access to resources, engagement with customers and other stakeholders. Nevertheless, we know little about how legitimacy is built and how new entrants build legitimacy in complex technology-intensive industries. In this research we explore how Norwegian cleantech firms use signaling and strategic actions to build legitimacy. We analyze five cases while investigating their actions in different phases of the venture's evolution. The results suggest that, contrary to signaling theory expectations, young clean-tech firms do not always build legitimacy by conveying information on their strengths. Instead, we observe that they use signaling strategies to address the specific concerns of different stakeholders. This is very much contingent upon the evolutionary stage of the venture and the firm's current weaknesses.

Abstract

Technology entrepreneurship is an established concept in academia. However, recent developments in the context of digital entrepreneurship call for revision and advance- ment. 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 techno- logy 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

An important and frequently researched concept in the field of open innovation is the integration of lead users into the process for developing innovative product concepts. Social media has offered promising new possibilities for companies in terms of supporting lead user integration. This paper provides an overview of relevant aspects of lead user research, as well as the identification of lead users. Furthermore, we connect lead user theory with social media and discuss possible ways to identify lead users. Based on the conclusion that existing research does not yet sufficiently provide a detailed understanding on identifying lead users in social media, we conducted an empirical study to gain deeper insights in the social media habits of lead users; this involved a case study comprising 20 interviews. This study’s findings present a rather ambivalent picture, concluding that identifying lead users via social media may work with some limitations. Social media can contribute complementary with established approaches like pyramiding to the identification of lead users, but it is not a standalone solution. It strongly depends on the content of the project and on the group of individuals where lead users should be originated. Based on these findings, we derive theoretical and managerial implications and show how companies can utilize social media in addition to established methods for identifying lead users. Finally, the paper concludes with a discussion of study limitations and recommendations for areas of further researc

Abstract

Purpose Networking and being a part of an established business network supports the process of translating new ideas into marketable solutions and acquiring customers. The purpose of this paper is to investigate how aspiring entrepreneurs in a Danish rural area setting manage to get embedded into relevant business networks. Before the literature background on social capital and regional development, the authors use the embeddedness approach in explaining whether weak or strong ties are most beneficial to get the business started and how lacking strong ties can be compensated. Design/methodology/approach This paper takes an economic sociology perspective on social capital and is empirically based on a case study. The sample consists of a group of young aspiring entrepreneurs, living in the rural area of Southern Jutland, who are all committed to an organization which supports regional start-ups. Findings The authors found that aspiring entrepreneurs have different needs depending on their development status and type of innovation. Founders, who are developing or have developed new product innovations, seem to have an increased need for “strong ties” with consultants and those with knowledge about building up a professional network. Founders, who are developing or have developed a significantly improved service, have strong ties with former fellow students and researchers at the university. Originality/value This study illustrates that aspiring entrepreneurs connected to a regional entrepreneurship center gained access to a wider relevant network. Depending on their level of embeddedness, they could build new strong relationships and exploit information stemming from new “weak ties” and as such harness more benefits. The study shows that less privileged start-ups can substitute strong ties, especially through the support of professional managers of startup-supporting organizations. Finally, a model explaining the impact of social capital on the entrepreneurial sphere of regional business networks and on its innovativeness is deduced.  

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

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between open innovation and the use of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors consider patents, industrial designs (i.e. design patents in the USA), trademarks, and copyrights. Design/methodology/approach -- The relationships between open innovation, IPRs, and profitability are tested with random-effects panel regressions on data from the Spanish Community Innovation Survey for 2,873 firms spanning the years 2008-2013. Findings -- A key result is that SMEs do not benefit from open innovation or from patenting in the same way as larger firms. Furthermore, the results show that SMEs profit in different ways from IPR, depending on their size and the corresponding IPR. Research limitations/implications -- The different impact of IPRs on the efficiency of open innovation in firms of varying sizes highlights the importance of further investigation into IP strategies and into open innovation in SMEs. Practical implications -- Industrial designs are currently the most efficient IPR for SMEs to protect their intellectual property in open innovation collaborations. Depending on the company size, the use of different IPRs is recommended. Moreover, firms should seek to increase the efficiency of open innovation and the use of IPRs. Social implications -- The high impact of SMEs on employment highlights the importance of fomenting efficient innovation processes in such firms. Originality/value -- This paper opens the black box of IPR in relation to open innovation in SMEs, and draws distinctive conclusions with regards to patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyrights.

Abstract

Um systematisch an neue und originelle Ideen zu kommen, sind Kreativitätstechniken ein wichtiger Bestandteil im Innovationsmanagement. Doch welche Techniken werden von Unternehmen in der Praxis eingesetzt, und für welche Arten von Fragestellungen? In der vorliegenden Studie wurde mittels einer quantitativen Erhebung untersucht, welche Techniken Unternehmen im deutschsprachigen Raum zu welchem Zweck nutzen und wie diese in den Arbeitsalltag eingebunden sind. Insgesamt nahmen 90 Mitarbeiter und Führungskräfte aus Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz an der Umfrage teil. Diese zielte insbesondere auf die Unterschiede zwischen kleinen, mittleren und großen Unternehmen ab. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Kreativitätstechniken in vielen Unternehmen einen festen Platz im Alltag haben, jedoch nur die Hälfte der Befragten schreibt dabei seinem Unternehmen viele Ideen und kreative Mitarbeiter zu. Die große Auswahl an Kreativitätstechniken führt offenbar zu Auswahlproblemen, weshalb klassische Techniken wie das Brainstorming oder das Brainwriting bei den Befragten am meisten und am regelmäßigsten genutzt werden. Dabei ist es bemerkenswert, dass die vorgestellten Kreativitätstechniken von allen befragten Abteilungen gleichermaßen eingesetzt werden. Der Artikel schließt mit Implikationen für Forschung und Praxis, sowie mit einem Ausblick auf zukünftige Forschung.   

Abstract

Internationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model. Internationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model.vInternationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919617500050 Internationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919617500050 Internationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919617500050 Internationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919617500050 Internationalization is a hot topic in innovation management, whereby the phenomenon of “Born Globals” is still limited to research in the domains of Entrepreneurship and International Management. As business model design plays a key role for Born Globals, we link these two concepts. For this, we propose hypotheses about the influence of efficiency-centered and novelty-centered business model design on international firm performance. To test these hypotheses, we performed a quantitative survey with 252 founders of international companies in Germany, Switzerland and Liechtenstein. Additionally, we gained further insights through a case study analysis of 11 Born Globals. The results show that business model design matters to international firm performance and the business model design of Born Globals tends to be more efficiency-centered. Based on a multiple case study, we analyzed business models in a more sophisticated way and derived propositions that yielded in an archetype of a Born Global’s business model. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919617500050

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to study the relationship between open innovation and the use of intellectual property rights (IPRs) in small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The authors consider patents, industrial designs (i.e. design patents in the USA), trademarks, and copyrights. Design/methodology/approach – The relationships between open innovation, IPRs, and profitability are tested with random-effects panel regressions on data from the Spanish Community Innovation Survey for 2,873 firms spanning the years 2008-2013. Findings – A key result is that SMEs do not benefit from open innovation or from patenting in the same way as larger firms. Furthermore, the results show that SMEs profit in different ways from IPR, depending on their size and the corresponding IPR. Research limitations/implications – The different impact of IPRs on the efficiency of open innovation in firms of varying sizes highlights the importance of further investigation into IP strategies and into open innovation in SMEs. Practical implications – Industrial designs are currently the most efficient IPR for SMEs to protect their intellectual property in open innovation collaborations. Depending on the company size, the use of different IPRs is recommended. Moreover, firms should seek to increase the efficiency of open innovation and the use of IPRs. Social implications – The high impact of SMEs on employment highlights the importance of fomenting efficient innovation processes in such firms. Originality/value – This paper opens the black box of IPR in relation to open innovation in SMEs, and draws distinctive conclusions with regards to patents, industrial designs, trademarks, and copyrights.

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

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

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

From research on Western new product development (NPD) practices a rich body of literature has emerged. However, the impact of country specific and cultural influences has not been examined in this context yet. This study is a first attempt to identify differences in NPD practices between Research and Development (R&D) subsidiaries in Germany, China and India within multinational companies. Data has been generated by qualitative interviews with R&D executives in those countries across multiple cases. The study samples strategic, organizational and operational aspects indicates definite differences in process coordination, rewarding systems, market orientation and the average age of NPD teams. Other aspects like strategic targets, the management involvement, etc. show rather slight differences across the countries. Hence, findings suggest that while some aspects are universally applicable across cultural frontiers, Western companies have to understand different expectations regarding NPD in India and China by adjusting practices accordingl

Abstract

The past two decades have seen a tremendous growth in innovation processes conceived under scarcity conditions with special focus on emerging markets and bottom of the pyramid (BOP) customers. However, evolving literature in this field has unfortunately resulted in a multitude of innovation approaches leading to terminology confusion and fragmented literature. Hence, this study is an attempt to systematically organize and synthesize the research on innovation approaches originated in, for or from emerging markets. An extensive systematic review of the existing literature is carried out to investigate the progress of prior research, and to use the insights to define future research pathways. This review is primarily based on the most frequently used innovation approaches, especially frugal innovation, jugaad, disruptive innovation, Gandhian innovation, catalytic innovation, indigenous innovation, bricolage, blowback innovation, trickle-up innovation, resource-constrained innovation, and BOP innovation. Our analysis finds growing standardization in terminology usage and increasing emphasis on “bottom-up” and structured innovation approaches. De-emphasizing the role of technology transfers and spillovers from the West, the findings exhibit increasing applications of these innovations beyond emerging markets to wider markets. Our research results also shed light on the evolution of the topic and instigate further research explorations in the direction of analyzing the user adoption of these constraint-based innovations and understanding the influence of new technological advancements, such as the Internet, mobile telecommunications, and Web 2.0 on the innovation process, with a special focus on the service industr

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to explore how relationships between different actors are being shaped to allow industry to come to acceptable and desirable uses of research and innovation (R&I) that address societal challenges. Design/methodology/approach: Building on existing notions of responsibility proposed in the literature, the paper develops a theoretical account of “networks of responsibility” which capture the interlinked nature of responsibility relationships. The usefulness of the approach is evaluated by exploring two cases of R&I in industry deploying a qualitative research approach that involves interviewing and document analysis. For this, a multinational company from Germany was involved, as well as a small- and medium-sized company from Denmark. Findings: The study surfaced 68 responsibility relationships involving a range of different objects, subjects, authorities and norms. By describing overlaps in objects, subjects and other aspects across relationships, the theoretical model proved adequate in untangling and displaying interrelatedness of responsibilities. Furthermore, the analysis surfaced characteristics of responsible research and innovation (RRI) that are already in place in the R&I processes of two innovative companies, such as anticipation, foresight and stakeholder engagement. Not all aspects of responsibility outlined in the theoretical model could be extracted from the interview data for every responsibility relationship, pointing to the need for further research. Practical implications: The paper is practically relevant because it supports policy development on an organisational, as well as societal level. Moreover, the networks of responsibility model offer a fine-grained assessment of responsibilities in R&I practice by mapping existing responsibilities which supports translating RRI principles into everyday organisational practices. Social implications: RRI sets an ambitious agenda to ensure a more social and ethical R&I. Much work is still needed to bridge the gap between these theoretical and political aspirations and daily R&I practice, especially in non-academic contexts such as industry. By offering a way to understand and untangle the complexity of responsibility relationships, the networks of responsibility model seem to offer a promising approach that can support this endeavour. Originality/value: The paper offers a novel theoretical approach to understanding and analysing responsibility allocations in R&I in industry. It demonstrates the reliability of this theoretical position empirically. It is practically important because it supports policy development on an organisational as well as societal leve

Abstract

What's mine is yours. An increasing number of people are participating in sharing and exchanging information, knowledge, data and goods. As research addressing the so-called ‘sharing economy’ is still in its infancy, this article aims to shed light on it. To do this, a qualitative research approach comprising guided interviews with 14 companies from Germany, Austria and Switzerland provides detailed insights into different aspects of the sharing economy phenomenon. Our results make a direct contribution to sharing economy research, especially regarding the new business models of start-ups. Here, we find a clear difference between the relevance of economic and social orientation. The latter appears to be in higher demand among customers than entrepreneurs. The increasingly digitalized environment has led to a changed living situation characterized by urbanity, openness to new solutions, changed working situations and new mindsets. All of these aspects drive the sharing economy. The results of this paper are summarized in a framework highlighting the requirements, drivers and goals of the sharing economy. Considering the limited research in this field, the developed framework is a strong basis for discussion, critique and/or support of future research.

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

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

Crowdfunding represents an alternative way of funding entrepreneurial ventures – and is attracting a high amount of interest in research as well as practice. Against this background, this paper analyzes reward-based crowdfunding campaign strategies and their communication tools. To do this, 446 crowdfunding projects were gathered and empirically analyzed. Three different paths of successful crowdfunding projects could be identified and are described in detail. Practical implications of crowdfunding strategies are derived, and are dependent on the required sales effort and the project added value. The terms communicator, networker and self-runner are created for this crowdfunding strategy and filled with practical examples. This paper contributes to the literature in different ways: first, it sheds more light on the developing concept of crowdfunding, with an overview of current academic discussions on crowdfunding. Furthermore, the analysis of success factors for crowdfunding initiatives adds to an emerging area of research and allows entrepreneurs to extract best practice examples for increasing the probability of successful crowdfunding projects under consideration of the key influencing factors of communicatio

Abstract

The uptake of solutions that increase energy efficiency is significantly lower for small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This is due to several barriers, among which legislation, motivation, finance and other resources play a large role. In this paper, we describe a framework of market readiness and use it to assess the asymmetry between existing solutions and opportunities in the market. The aim is to identify which steps can be taken in order to introduce more energy optimizations into SMEs, and who should be taking those steps. More specifically, we explore how four Danish SMEs, in different parts of the value chain in the food processing industry, view energy efficiency improvements, focusing on the potential reuse of waste heat, along with what they consider important for taking on such projects. The findings show that while the companies operate very differently, they share common motivations and barriers when it comes to energy efficiency. Based on these findings, this paper argues that the biggest advancements are not to be made within the SMEs, but partly through the legislation that affects the financial benefits of energy improvement solutions, and through the marketing approach that solution suppliers take towards their potential customers when addressing the inherently individual needs of SME

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to describe how Nespresso achieved competitive advantage through innovation by changing the rules of the game in its industry. Design/methodology/approach – Nespresso was analyzed based on public available secondary data, in combination with related academic concepts on innovation and competitive advantage. Findings – The company succeeded by the thorough application of a strategy that, through perfect alignment, allowed the company to reach a unique market position. However, as described in the case, it took a relatively long time and the company came close to failure several times. Before the current situation of the company, it remains challenging in the future as well. Hence, the Nespresso story provides interesting space for discussion and learning about what innovation is, how innovation emerges, and under which circumstances innovation can serve as a source for competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications – Especially given the current market situation, the case offers different starting points for discussion about innovation and long-term company success. Practical implications – Especially before the current market situation, the case offers different starting points for discussion about innovation and the success of a company on the long term. The case is designed to give practitioners a better understanding on what an innovation as, and how competitive advantages can be linked to innovation. Originality/value – This case of Nespresso is a unique combination of the concepts of innovation and competitive advantage. It serves as an example of an innovation, which was not successful from the scratch, but evolved over time and is still developing. As many innovations went through such a non-linear process, this case offers interesting lessons learned for academics as well as for practitioners.

Abstract

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) and innovation are common keywords in management research and practice. Both of them are understood in different ways. To discover the boundaries of CSR and innovation, this paper sheds light on the traditional view of CSR, with a focus on its (CSR) integration into the corporate strategy and its linkages to innovation. On the basis of a systematic literature review, a conceptual framework is developed. This framework categorises socio-political stakeholders and identifies other relevant stakeholders on the basis of a theoretical typology. Finally, dialogue strategies are examined regarding their fit within the corporate innovation process. In this regard, stakeholder collaboration is suggested as the appropriate strategy of engaging strategically significant stakeholders. The paper concludes with implications, limitations and further research suggestion

Abstract

Do perceptions of creative categories proposed by the 4 C model differ across cultures? To answer this research question, 2 studies were conducted to examine the generalizability of the 4 C model among participants from Mexico and Germany. Participants completed a battery of questionnaires measuring perceptions of the 4 Cs, self-deceptive enhancement, impression management, and need for cognition. Structural equation modeling was used to test for the proposed factor structure and for configural invariance. Results showed that the 4-factor structure was supported across both countries. There was also support for configural invariance. However, the hierarchical structure of the 4 C model was not completely supported in either country. Results of the study are discussed, as well as implications for future research.

Abstract

Recent developments in the global economy indicate that new product development (NPD) activities are not limited to any single country; rather, they have spread across nations and cultures. This study aims to increase the understanding of NPD through an intercultural analysis by comparing innovation processes in Germany and China. Our study relates NPD and Hofstede's cultural dimensions by identifying culture-based patterns of similarities and differences between German and Chinese practices related to strategic, organisational, and operational factors. The research subjects are five international companies with research and development sites of the same business section in Germany and China. The findings reveal both culture-dependent and culture-independent factors. Most of the strategic and organisational factors in the two countries are relatively similar because of site-spanning corporate cultures, but there are differences between the countries with regard to idea generation and managemen

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

Creativity is a vibrant field of scientific research with important applied implications for the management of innovation. In this article, we argue that the proliferation of creativity research has led to positive and less positive outcomes and discuss five relevant research themes. We first introduce our readers to the different proposed dimensions of a creative object. Next, we explain recent developments on the level of the creativity magnitude issue. Based on that, we review how researchers currently operationalize creativity. After discussing how creativity is conceptualized and operationalized, we outline how it might be enhanced. Finally, we present an overview of the wide variety of methodological approaches currently used in creativity research. We close by calling for more interdisciplinary research and offering other suggestions for future directions.

Abstract

The former Apple CEO Steve Jobs was one of the most charismatic speakers of the past decades. However, there is, as yet, no detailed quantitative profile of his way of speaking. We used state-of-the-art computer techniques to acoustically analyze his speech behavior and relate it to reference samples. Our paper provides the first-ever acoustic profile of Steve Jobs, based on about 4000 syllables and 12,000 individual speech sounds from his two most outstanding and well-known product presentations: the introductions of the iPhone 4 and the iPad 2. Our results show that Steve Jobs stands out against our reference samples in almost all key features of charisma, including melody, loudness, tempo and fluency, and he produced significant quantitative differences when addressing customers and investors in his speeches. Against this background, we provide specific advice on how to improve a speaker’s charismatic impact. We conclude with describing how further technological advances will move computers and behavioral characteristics like human speech even closer together.

Abstract

Technology push and market pull innovation strategies are playing an important role for the effective management of ideas, technologies, and trends. The coexistence of these two approaches led to many debates and the focus switched several times from putting more effort into technology push aspects to fostering market pull approaches in the last decades. Still, there is no in-depth exploration of the interface of technology push and market pull and only few conceptual models are dealing with the connection between technology push and market pull in particular. Therefore, this study puts an exploratory focus on the innovation management processes of a global outdoor manufacturer with a special emphasis on the interface between technology push and market pull. From the case findings and our literature we conceptualise a non-linear innovation model that systematically integrates market pull and technology push activities. The model was tested for its practical applicability by reflecting it against the case company's organisational capabilities. Further research implications are discussed as well as implications for the management of the innovation process in practice, which highlights especially the importance of an innovation competence tea

Abstract

Over the past decade, research on innovation in family firms has received growing attention by scholars and practitioners around the globe with a wide range of aspects explored within the current body of literature. Despite the constantly growing number of scientific publications, research lacks a comprehensive and critical review of past and present research achievements. First, conducting a bibliometric analysis with a focus on innovation in family firms, we identify five topical clusters that help to understand the foundations of recent findings: namely ownership and governance, structural settings, organizational culture and behaviour, resources, and innovation and strategy. Second, based on a thorough literature review the major research avenues are reflected. The comparison of the results of both analyses showed the following areas for future research on family firm innovation: members‘ individual human capital and their leadership behaviour, openness to externals, cross-country comparisons, and finally the family‘s functional integrity on innovation performance.

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

Creativity is a vibrant field of scientific research with important applied implications for the management of innovation. In this article, we argue that the proliferation of creativity research has led to positive and less positive outcomes and discuss five relevant research themes. We first introduce our readers to the different proposed dimensions of a creative object. Next, we explain recent developments on the level of the creativity magnitude issue. Based on that, we review how researchers currently operationalize creativity. After discussing how creativity is conceptualized and operationalized, we outline how it might be enhanced. Finally, we present an overview of the wide variety of methodological approaches currently used in creativity research. We close by calling for more interdisciplinary research and offering other suggestions for future directions.

Abstract

Kreativität spielt im Ideen- und Innovationsmanagement eine wichtige Rolle. Insbesondere der Aspekt, wie kreative Ideen dauerhaft generiert werden können, steht im Fokus von Entscheidern im Unternehmen. Vor diesem Hintergrund legt der Beitrag einführend die entscheidenden Dimensionen von Kreativität dar, welche auf individueller, gruppen- sowie organisationspezifischer Ebene zu berücksichtigen sind. Auf dieser Basis werden Implikationen für das Ideen- und Innovationsmanagement aufgezeigt, welche geeignet erscheinen, die Motivation zu kreativen Leistungen aufrecht zu erhalten.

Abstract

Three studies examined the influence of type of scale on self-relevant judgments and the moderating role of age, prevention, focus, and need for cognition. Participants were randomly assigned to a bipolar or a unipolar scale condition in all three studies. Results from study 1 with a representative sample of the adult population of Mexico showed that participants evaluated themselves more positively on a bipolar than a unipolar scale. Age did not moderate this relationship. Results from studies 2 and 3 also showed a significant influence of type of scale on self-relevant judgments. Prevention, focus and need for cognition did not moderate the relationship between type of scale and self-relevant judgments. The theoretical and applied implications of our results were discusse

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

Purpose -- The purpose of this paper is to describe how Nespresso achieved competitive advantage through innovation by changing the rules of the game in its industry. Design/methodology/approach -- Nespresso was analyzed based on public available secondary data, in combination with related academic concepts on innovation and competitive advantage. Findings -- The company succeeded by the thorough application of a strategy that, through perfect alignment, allowed the company to reach a unique market position. However, as described in the case, it took a relatively long time and the company came close to failure several times. Before the current situation of the company, it remains challenging in the future as well. Hence, the Nespresso story provides interesting space for discussion and learning about what innovation is, how innovation emerges, and under which circumstances innovation can serve as a source for competitive advantage. Research limitations/implications -- Especially given the current market situation, the case offers different starting points for discussion about innovation and long-term company success. Practical implications -- Especially before the current market situation, the case offers different starting points for discussion about innovation and the success of a company on the long term. The case is designed to give practitioners a better understanding on what an innovation as, and how competitive advantages can be linked to innovation. Originality/value -- This case of Nespresso is a unique combination of the concepts of innovation and competitive advantage. It serves as an example of an innovation, which was not successful from the scratch, but evolved over time and is still developing. As many innovations went through such a non-linear process, this case offers interesting lessons learned for academics as well as for practitioners.

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

Crisis situations are special situations during the development process. They are characterized by time and handling pressure. Therefore, it is necessary to identify and apply a methodical problem solving approach to overcome these situations. Due to their prescriptive character, problem solving approaches reduce the problem identification time and increase the efficiency of crisis management. The goal of this research is to identify methods which are able to support the crisis management process successfully. Therefore, a literature-based analysis of developing methods, especially TRIZ is conducted. Regarding the main steps of problem solving, evaluation criteria are identified and considered. This bases on standardized method descriptions and is evaluated by criteria regarding training effort, usability, time, quality of solutions, required resources, and effort for application by 12 TRIZ users and experts. Result of this research is a situation specific approach for crises. The evaluated methods are clustered considering the main steps of problem solving. Results indicate that TRIZ methods support especially the idea generation process with structured and detailed approache

Abstract

Multi-cultural teams are seen as a wellspring of creativity and innovativeness. Yet, we still miss an in-depth study of their potential and challenges during the innovation process in firms. This is a serious omission as many international firms are in need of improving their global innovation position by the inclusion of insights from team members of different nationalities with knowledge about markets and culture. To derive first insights, we conducted a longitudinal qualitative study in a large global company with 70 personal interviews in five innovation teams over a period of two years. These data, based on semi-structured interviews, provide us with rich information about effects of cultural diversity in teams in the innovation process. Data were analysed through a thematic network analysis and two coders inductively forming categories. Results indicate that cross-cultural teams have a high potential of creativity, but are confronted with difficulties arising from different working- and communication styles which have to be proactively managed from the beginning. While progressing, teams learn to cope with this diversity related to some more surface-level cultural dimensions and members even align. Yet, diversity of power distance induces conflicts that deeply impact the innovation process. Based on these findings, we develop a set of propositions, which lead into a conceptual model on the effects of multi-cultural team work on creativity and innovation. Finally, we discuss further implications for research and practice.

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

Despite the extensive literature on the benefits of netnography and crowdsourcing for insight and idea generation, little research has been conducted on their practical relevance and application for identifying lead users. We address this gap through an analysis of 24 lead user projects investigating the viability, underlying processes, and main differences of these new search strategies. We argue that both methods justify the significant investments by additionally providing a user-centric basis for subsequent ideation sessions with lead users. Our findings contribute to user innovation literature by demonstrating new ways of identifying these highly valuable users in the social media age.

Abstract

Recent market studies reveal that augmented reality (AR) devices, such as smart glasses, will substantially influence the media landscape. Yet, little is known about the intended adoption of smart glasses, particularly: Who are the early adopters of such wearables? We contribute to the growing body of research that investigates the role of personality in predicting media usage by analyzing smart glasses, such as Google Glass or Microsoft Hololens. First, we integrate AR devices into the current evolution of media and technologies. Then, we draw on the Big Five Model of human personality and present the results from two studies that investigate the direct and moderating effects of human personality on the awareness and innovation adoption of smart glasses. Our results show that open and emotionally stable consumers tend to be more aware of Google Glass. Consumers who perceive the potential for high functional benefits and social conformity of smart glasses are more likely to adopt such wearables. The strength of these effects is moderated by consumers’ individual personality, particularly by their levels of openness to experience, extraversion and neuroticism. This article concludes with a discussion of theoretical and managerial implications for research on technology adoption, and with suggestions for avenues for future researc

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: This paper uses data generated by users to reflect on the emergent paradigm of lifelogging or quantified self as a lifestyle. It analyses the social and technological aspects of this phenomenon, focusing on data management, and it describes how the principles of big data enable us to understand the opportunities and complexities that quantified self is responsible for. Methodology: The paper revises the bibliography published on lifelogging and quantified self from its beginnings to the present. The bibliographic search was completed using bibliographic databases for the articles and general search engines for information on products and applications and for news articles in the local and international press. Results: The result is a taxonomy of uses, applications and tools for lifelogging and quantified self. The researchers conclude that the ability to generate quality information from user-generated data will be key in the development of this paradigm. It will also be necessary to establish standards and protocols to organize, manage and analyse the data so that the potentially positive impact of quantified self on society can be optimized.

Abstract

A rich body of literature has emerged from research on Western new product development (NPD). However, the impact of country- and culture-specific influences on these processes has not been examined in detail yet. Hence, this study identifies the differences in NPD practices between the Indian and German research and development (R&D) subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs). Data have been generated by interviews with R&D executives in both countries across multiple cases. The study samples strategic, organisational, and operational aspects and indicates differences in process coordination, reward systems, NPD creativity techniques, market orientation, and the average age of NPD teams. Other aspects, such as top management support, the use of structured NPD processes, and the use of heterogeneous NPD teams, show no substantial differences between the countries. Our findings suggest that, while some aspects are universally applicable across cultural frontiers, Western companies must understand India's different expectations regarding NPD and adjust their practices accordingly. A rich body of literature has emerged from research on Western new product development (NPD). However, the impact of country- and culture-specific influences on these processes has not been examined in detail yet. Hence, this study identifies the differences in NPD practices between the Indian and German research and development (R&D) subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs). Data have been generated by interviews with R&D executives in both countries across multiple cases. The study samples strategic, organisational, and operational aspects and indicates differences in process coordination, reward systems, NPD creativity techniques, market orientation, and the average age of NPD teams. Other aspects, such as top management support, the use of structured NPD processes, and the use of heterogeneous NPD teams, show no substantial differences between the countries. Our findings suggest that, while some aspects are universally applicable across cultural frontiers, Western companies must understand India's different expectations regarding NPD and adjust their practices accordingly. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919615500103

Abstract

In the past, the agency theory was used to analyse problems within supply networks. This theory suggested different solutions to bring about a reduction in information asymmetries. However, doing so in the future will prove to be difficult owing to the increasing complexity of supply networks. Moreover, along with the fourth industrial revolution - industry 4.0 - new technologies such as cyber physical systems are fast gaining popularity. Hence, based on the analysis of relevant literature, we further develop the supply chain committee model, developed by Kaluza et al. (2003) to demonstrate how upcoming technologies can be integrated. This may help manage agency problems, despite the growth in complexity in supply network

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

Different studies have evaluated the factors that lead to the adoption of new online services in general and particularly for Location-Based Services adoption (LBS), as this is seen as a key application for smartphones. Recently, several security threats and the disclosure of extensive personal data have raised the question, if location data are considered as sensitive data by users. Thus, we use two privacy concern models, namely Concern for Information Privacy (CFIP) and Internet Users’ Information Privacy Concerns (IUIPC) to find out. Our sample comprises of 235 individuals between 18 and 34 years (Generation C) from Germany. The results of this study indicate that the second-order factor IUIPC showed better fit for the underlying data than CFIP did. Overall privacy concerns have been found to have an impact on behavioral intentions of users for LBS adoption. Furthermore, other risk dimensions may play a role in determining usage intention, which should be analyzed by further researc

Abstract

Objectives: This paper uses data generated by users to reflect on the emergent paradigm of lifelogging or quantified self as a lifestyle. It analyses the social and technological aspects of this phenomenon, focusing on data management, and it describes how the principles of big data enable us to understand the opportunities and complexities that quantified self is responsible for. Methodology: The paper revises the bibliography published on lifelogging and quantified self from its beginnings to the present. The bibliographic search was completed using bibliographic databases for the articles and general search engines for information on products and applications and for news articles in the local and international press. Results: The result is a taxonomy of uses, applications and tools for lifelogging and quantified self. The researchers conclude that the ability to generate quality information from user-generated data will be key in the development of this paradigm. It will also be necessary to establish standards and protocols to organize, manage and analyse the data so that the potentially positive impact of quantified self on society can be optimized.

Abstract

Prior research on open innovation primarily focused on theoretical perceptions about the transaction of technologies in information technology, pharmaceutical and electronics industry. Research about open innovation in the automotive industry has hardly received attention. However, the automotive industry has long been cooperating with external partners and nowadays acquires about three quarters of the value created from their suppliers. Based on theoretical findings of other industries, we examine the role of technology transactions and external partnerships in fostering firm capabilities. Survey responses from the German automotive industry let us empirically test seven hypotheses with a multiple regression model. Based on a firm's individual resource configuration and capability level, results show that some firms clearly profit more from openness than others. With this study, we extend research about open innovation in an industry where it has not been done before and empirically test the concept to overcome the prescriptive character of recent research on open innovation.

Abstract

Business incubators have become an important pillar in the attraction and the support of innovation and entrepreneurship - in practice, and to a greater extent in theory as well. Based on earlier research, we give an overview of business incubator literature between 2001 and 2013. We review these results in a generic business incubation process model, which is elaborated in a pre-, main- and after-incubation phase. Finally, we introduce an incubator guide, which is summarising the key areas into a questionnaire. Hence, on the one hand, we foster future research on business incubation with our conceptual framework based on an extensive literature review. On the other hand, we support managers and policy makers with a practice-oriented and research-based evaluation tool for a status quo analysis as well as a solid basis for a further incubator developmen

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to provide the systematic procedures of case study research. A robust case study protocol in the context of societal and ethical issues with a relevant guidelines will set to show how data should collect, present, and analyze. This paper takes in particular the context of Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI) as the phenomenon and investigates on how to apply the methodologies, which could assist us to identify the boundaries between societal and ethical issues and the emerging ICTs. As such, to interpret the collected data and build theory inductively, to have an excellent basis for further qualitative research within RRI context, systematic procedures are needed to conduct. This paper uses a holistic view to the literature for providing guidelines for conducting and reporting case study research for RRI context. It defines the information that needs to be gathered from the cases, the way this data is to be analyzed and the processes of reflections to be undertaken. Checklists for conducting the case study protocol are linked to each step of systematic procedures and applicable for researchers, ICT managers, reviewers, and readers to allow them taking account of societal and ethical aspects, in particular RRI principles in emerging ICTs in a proper wa

Abstract

Opportunity discovery and creation are key areas of research in entrepreneurship literature. Based on the ongoing discussion, this paper proposes an integrative view of a dynamic multi–stage new venture emergence. In particular, the findings of our research show how to match these approaches with the life cycle stages of an emerging venture. This paper contributes to existing entrepreneurship research by acknowledging the value of parallel sequential process combinations, by including customer demand as part of a market participant's selection criteria, and by recognising failure as valuable outcome. The implication for entrepreneurs is that, beyond discovering a potential venture idea, substantial development efforts are required to form a sustainable business model. For entrepreneurship research, our model is a first step towards an integrative discussion of new venture emergence aimed at fostering further research and the advancement of new theoretical insights.

Abstract

In times of changing business models and international competition, there is an inherent need for companies to foster and develop mechanisms to absorb new technologies for innovative products and processes effectively. Such considerations lead to the strategic make-or-buy decision which was the subject of our research. This quantitative explanatory study in the German industry shows in particular that companies base their decision for internal or external sourcing on multiple weighted criteria with scoring models and, even more common, with portfolio matrices. These results are in common with recent research, however, other results are surprising, e.g. just a small minority of companies involve people from controlling and legal departments in these decision processes. The paper also reveals differences between companies with different timing and competitive strategies, which are in line with the proposed characteristics of these strategic focuses in literature. Implications for theory and practice are given to foster future research in this area. In times of changing business models and international competition, there is an inherent need for companies to foster and develop mechanisms to absorb new technologies for innovative products and processes effectively. Such considerations lead to the strategic make-or-buy decision which was the subject of our research. This quantitative explanatory study in the German industry shows in particular that companies base their decision for internal or external sourcing on multiple weighted criteria with scoring models and, even more common, with portfolio matrices. These results are in common with recent research, however, other results are surprising, e.g. just a small minority of companies involve people from controlling and legal departments in these decision processes. The paper also reveals differences between companies with different timing and competitive strategies, which are in line with the proposed characteristics of these strategic focuses in literature. Implications for theory and practice are given to foster future research in this area. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0219877014500163

Abstract

In times of changing business models and international competition, there is an inherent need for companies to foster and develop mechanisms to absorb new technologies for innovative products and processes effectively. Such considerations lead to the strategic make-or-buy decision which was the subject of our research. This quantitative explanatory study in the German industry shows in particular that companies base their decision for internal or external sourcing on multiple weighted criteria with scoring models and, even more common, with portfolio matrices. These results are in common with recent research, however, other results are surprising, e.g. just a small minority of companies involve people from controlling and legal departments in these decision processes. The paper also reveals differences between companies with different timing and competitive strategies, which are in line with the proposed characteristics of these strategic focuses in literature. Implications for theory and practice are given to foster future research in this area. In times of changing business models and international competition, there is an inherent need for companies to foster and develop mechanisms to absorb new technologies for innovative products and processes effectively. Such considerations lead to the strategic make-or-buy decision which was the subject of our research. This quantitative explanatory study in the German industry shows in particular that companies base their decision for internal or external sourcing on multiple weighted criteria with scoring models and, even more common, with portfolio matrices. These results are in common with recent research, however, other results are surprising, e.g. just a small minority of companies involve people from controlling and legal departments in these decision processes. The paper also reveals differences between companies with different timing and competitive strategies, which are in line with the proposed characteristics of these strategic focuses in literature. Implications for theory and practice are given to foster future research in this area. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S0219877014500163

Abstract

In recent years, Prediction Markets gained growing interest as a forecasting tool among researchers as well as practitioners, which resulted in an increasing number of publications. In order to track the latest development of research, comprising the extent and focus of research, this article provides a comprehensive review and classification of the literature related to the topic of Prediction Markets. Overall, 304 relevant articles, published in the timeframe from 2007 through 2013, were identified and assigned to a herein presented classification scheme, differentiating between descriptive works, articles of theoretical nature, application-oriented studies and articles dealing with the topic of law and policy. The analysis of the research results reveals that more than half of the literature pool deals with the application and actual function tests of Prediction Markets. The results are further compared to two previous works published by Zhao, Wagner and Chen (2008) and Tziralis and Tatsiopoulos (2007a). The article concludes with an extended bibliography section and may therefore serve as a guidance and basis for further researc

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the possibility of using the new marketing research tool of prediction markets (PMs), which integrates customers to into the marketing research process. The research questions are: does taking part in PMs influence customers’ brand perception? Is there a danger of damaging a brand through this tool? Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses a series of five short-term (less than one hour) and five long-term (three weeks) experimental online PMs where customers are integrated into marketing research and apply a series of online-surveys before and after taking part as virtual stock market traders. Subjects of research are taken from the sporting goods industry. Findings – The paper shows that PMs can be used by marketing researchers without the danger of damaging the brand of the products that are subject of the PMs, although customers are being integrated to improve the markets’ forecasting accuracy. Research limitations/implications – The study’s subject are medium priced sporting goods only. Possibly in other product fields, results may differ. Thus, the authors see a field for further research in this limitation. Practical implications – Managers for marketing intelligence have more reason to make use of the efficient and rather new tool, PMs. Marketers can potentially improve their forecasting accuracy by integrating customer information into their reports. In addition, the authors see a high potential in the area of innovation management as well. Originality/value – There has been no research on perceptions of PMs and brands at all so fa

Abstract

Crowdfunding hat in den letzten Jahren ein sehr starkes weltweites Wachstum erlebt, sodass sich immer mehr deutsche Unternehmen über Crowdfunding bzw. -investing finanzieren. Crowdinvesting, eine Unterform von Crowdfunding, basiert auf dem gleichen genossenschaftlichen Prinzip: \glqqviele schaffen mehr\grqq. Daher bietet sich es sich an, diese Finanzierungsform als Untersuchungsobjekt im Kontext von Genossenschaften zu analysieren. Der vorliegende Aufsatz befasst sich mit Crowdinvesting in Deutschland und dessen Relevanz für Genossenschaften, die Gründungskapital akquirierenmöchten. Hierfür wurde neben der Untersuchung von 80 durch Crowdinvesting finanzierten Unternehmen, eine vergleichende Analyse von elf Startups, welche als GmbH oder als eG gegründet wurden, vorgenommen. Ferner wurden sechs Genossenschaften interviewt, von denen drei mittels Crowdinvesting finanziert wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Crowdinvesting ein wachsendes Potential für Genossenschaften mit sich bringt, sofern diese sich auch an die neuen Gegebenheiten anpassen. Hierzu gehören eine hohe Affinität zu neuen Medien sowie die Steigerung des Bekanntheitsgrades der Rechtsform bei potentiellen Finanzgebern. Das erste Kapitel grenzt die Begriffe Crowdfunding und Crowdinvesting voneinander ab. Darauf basierend wird im zweiten Kapitel der deutsche Crowdfunding-Markt detailliert beschrieben. Im Anschluss werden Crowdinvesting und deutsche Genossenschaften analysiert, sowie drei Fallbeispiele von Genossenschaften dargestellt, welche durch Crowdfunding finanziert wurden. Abschließend wird ein Fazit über die erbrachten Untersuchungen gezogen.

Abstract

Crowdfunding als eine Alternative, junge Firmen in der Seed- oder Startup-Phase mithilfe von eigens kreierten Internetplattformen zu finanzieren, gewinnt auch in Deutschland zunehmend an Relevanz. Im Mittelpunkt steht hierbei die Frage nach der individuellen Investmententscheidung, die Gegenstand dieser Untersuchung ist: Welche Faktoren nehmen Einfluss auf die Investitionsentscheidung privater Crowd-Investoren? Dieser Frage wird auf Basis zweier fiktiver Crowdfunding-Fallstudien mit einer schriftlichen Befragung von 221 Personen nachgegangen. Basierend auf einem konzeptionellen Modell wurden Einflussfaktoren untersucht und anhand deskriptiver Ergebnisse und Regressions-analysen evaluiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Produkt, in das investiert wird, eine ganz wesentliche Rolle bei der Investmententscheidung spielt. Zudem fallen geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede bei diesen Entscheidungen auf, sowie auch persönliche Bindungen zu dem Startup, welche die Wahl des Investments wesentlich beeinflussen. Neben der Diskussion der Ergebnisse vor dem Hintergrund der bestehenden Literatur wird ein Ausblick für zukünftige Crowdfunding-Forschung gegeben. Crowdfunding als eine Alternative, junge Firmen in der Seed- oder Startup-Phase mithilfe von eigens kreierten Internetplattformen zu finanzieren, gewinnt auch in Deutschland zunehmend an Relevanz. Im Mittelpunkt steht hierbei die Frage nach der individuellen Investmententscheidung, die Gegenstand dieser Untersuchung ist: Welche Faktoren nehmen Einfluss auf die Investitionsentscheidung privater Crowd-Investoren? Dieser Frage wird auf Basis zweier fiktiver Crowdfunding-Fallstudien mit einer schriftlichen Befragung von 221 Personen nachgegangen. Basierend auf einem konzeptionellen Modell wurden Einflussfaktoren untersucht und anhand deskriptiver Ergebnisse und Regressions-analysen evaluiert. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass das Produkt, in das investiert wird, eine ganz wesentliche Rolle bei der Investmententscheidung spielt. Zudem fallen geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede bei diesen Entscheidungen auf, sowie auch persönliche Bindungen zu dem Startup, welche die Wahl des Investments wesentlich beeinflussen. Neben der Diskussion der Ergebnisse vor dem Hintergrund der bestehenden Literatur wird ein Ausblick für zukünftige Crowdfunding-Forschung gegeben. Read More: http://ejournals.duncker-humblot.de/doi/abs/10.3790/zfke.62.1.31</

Abstract

A rich body of literature has emerged from research on Western new product development (NPD). However, the impact of country- and culture-specific influences on these processes has not been examined in detail yet. Hence, this study identifies the differences in NPD practices between the Indian and German research and development (R&D) subsidiaries of multinational companies (MNCs). Data have been generated by interviews with R&D executives in both countries across multiple cases. The study samples strategic, organisational, and operational aspects and indicates differences in process coordination, reward systems, NPD creativity techniques, market orientation, and the average age of NPD teams. Other aspects, such as top management support, the use of structured NPD processes, and the use of heterogeneous NPD teams, show no substantial differences between the countries. Our findings suggest that, while some aspects are universally applicable across cultural frontiers, Western companies must understand India's different expectations regarding NPD and adjust their practices accordingl

Abstract

Crowdfunding hat in den letzten Jahren ein sehr starkes weltweites Wachstum erlebt, sodass sich immer mehr deutsche Unternehmen über Crowdfunding bzw. -investing finanzieren. Crowdinvesting, eine Unterform von Crowdfunding, basiert auf dem gleichen genossenschaftlichen Prinzip: „viele schaffen mehr“. Daher bietet sich es sich an, diese Finanzierungsform als Untersuchungsobjekt im Kontext von Genossenschaften zu analysieren. Der vorliegende Aufsatz befasst sich mit Crowdinvesting in Deutschland und dessen Relevanz für Genossenschaften, die Gründungskapital akquirierenmöchten. Hierfür wurde neben der Untersuchung von 80 durch Crowdinvesting finanzierten Unternehmen, eine vergleichende Analyse von elf Startups, welche als GmbH oder als eG gegründet wurden, vorgenommen. Ferner wurden sechs Genossenschaften interviewt, von denen drei mittels Crowdinvesting finanziert wurden. Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Crowdinvesting ein wachsendes Potential für Genossenschaften mit sich bringt, sofern diese sich auch an die neuen Gegebenheiten anpassen. Hierzu gehören eine hohe Affinität zu neuen Medien sowie die Steigerung des Bekanntheitsgrades der Rechtsform bei potentiellen Finanzgebern. Das erste Kapitel grenzt die Begriffe Crowdfunding und Crowdinvesting voneinander ab. Darauf basierend wird im zweiten Kapitel der deutsche Crowdfunding-Markt detailliert beschrieben. Im Anschluss werden Crowdinvesting und deutsche Genossenschaften analysiert, sowie drei Fallbeispiele von Genossenschaften dargestellt, welche durch Crowdfunding finanziert wurden. Abschließend wird ein Fazit über die erbrachten Untersuchungen gezogen.

Abstract

This paper gives a comprehensive overview of the commonly used terms jugaad, frugal innovation, frugal engineering, constraint-based innovation, Gandhian innovation, catalytic innovation, grassroots innovation, indigenous innovation, and reverse innovation. Based on that, a conceptual framework is introduced consisting of three core dimensions: sophistication, sustainability, and emerging market orientation. On the basis of these dimensions, analogies and distinctions between the terms are identified and general tendencies are explored such as the increasing importance of sustainability in social and ecological context or the growing interest of developed market firms in approaches from emerging markets. Hence, the presented framework supports further research in new paradigms for research and development (R&D) in developed market firms (DMFs), particularly in relation to emerging markets. This framework enables scholars to compare concepts from developed and emerging markets, to address studies specifically by using consistent terms, and to advance research into the concepts according their characterizatio

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to identify forthcoming fields of innovation management themes with an outline for the most important areas and directions of academic research and management practice. Design/methodology/approach: Key trends in innovation research are derived from an extensive literature review. In addition, major macroeconomic trends and new technologies were identified to finally develop a conceptual framework. Findings: The paper identifies seven major fields for future research in innovation management theory and practice. These areas are namely customer orientation, network organisation, sustainability, frugality, intellectual property, business model and global innovation. Based on the paper literature review, the paper develops a conceptual framework built on intra-firm and external openness as well as the short- and long-term strategic perspective. Future research areas are finally introduced. Originality/value: The paper shows a new conceptual framework and establishes a holistic view of innovation management themes in the next years. Based on the framework, future research areas may be identified and managers can identify important concept

Abstract

Crowdfunding is growing in popularity as a new form of both investment opportunity and source of venture capital. This article takes a view on whether crowdfunding is a replacement or an addition to traditional seed capital sources in the early stages of a new venture. With access to angel investment decreasing since the financial crisis of 2008, crowdfunding is of great importance to start-ups seeking starting capital. However, little effort has been made to define the investment model of crowdfunding with both crowdfunder and crowdfundee in mind. Drawing on an in-depth review of current literature on crowdfunding, this article creates an investment model of crowdfunding with various reward models available to investor and investee in mind. This article provides an extensive survey of the environment of crowdfunding based on current literature. It offers a jumping off point and a thorough literature review for researchers of crowdfunding, providing a detailed examination of the current landscape of crowdfunding based on available literary source

Abstract

Unternehmen unterliegen einer immer größer werdenden Umweltdynamik und sehen sich daher zusehend gezwungen, ihre Geschäftsmodelle auf neue Situationen anzupassen. Dieser Beitrag untersucht in diesem Zusammenhang, wie der Geschäftsmodellwandel insbesondere in KMU mit 10–30 Mitarbeitern erfolgreich gestaltet werden kann. Das Forschungsfeld des Change Managements ist weit gestreut und es hat sich bislang noch keine Basistheorie herausgebildet. Da der KMU-Bezug bis dato nur schwach ausgeprägt ist, wird auf Basis einer qualitativen Untersuchung von vier Unternehmen ein Modell des Wandels für KMU entwickelt. Dieses beruht maßgeblich auf einem inkrementellen und intuitiven Wandlungsprozess. Das Modell erlangt sowohl theoretische als auch praktische Relevanz, da für eine erfolgreiche Wandlung in dem untersuchten Segment deutlich weniger Erfolgsfaktoren eingesetzt werden mussten, als in der Literatur vorgeschlage

Abstract

The fields of frugal and reverse innovation as well as sustainability and its management have received tremendous interest in recent times. However, there is little literature on how both fields are related to each other. Hence, this paper gives an overview of research in both areas and provides a view of the relationship between frugal and reverse innovation, sustainability management and performance constructs. The link between frugal and reverse innovation on the one hand and sustainability performance on the other hand is established through a differentiated perspective on dimensions representing different fields of sustainability management, i.e. the sustainability of resources used in value creation, the sustainability of the actual value creation processes, and the sustainability of the outcomes of value creation processes. Moreover, we also argue for a positive link between the three dimensions of sustainability management and a company’s market performance.

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

Purpose: The main purpose of this paper is to study the benefits that an Asian company can achieve by using e-commerce. Another objective is to identify and rank the barriers influencing the application of e-commerce by innovative small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in India, Malaysia, and Iran Design/methodology/approach: The survey design uses a sample of 601 SMEs from three countries. In this study, data were collected by sending out questionnaires electronically and by mail. The Friedman test is used to analyse questionnaire data in conjunction with SPSS 16 software. Findings: The results indicate that an "enhanced company brand and corporate image" is the most important e-commerce advantage from the perspective of East Asian SMEs, whereas "doubts about the security and privacy" is the most important barrier. Research limitations/implications: Differences between the three countries in terms of electronic structure and infrastructure are the most important limitations for the study. Practical implications: As the company brand and the image of the company are very important in this region, companies should strategically invest into these areas. Nowadays, in times of social media, this is not as cost intensive as it was ten years before. So particularly, SMEs have a good chance to succeed in this area. Originality/value: This paper offers researchers a broader and more comprehensive view of the benefits of and barriers to electronic commerce application by SMEs. Researchers, educators, and practitioners will benefit from this paper. The analyses are more complex and varied than the methodologies used in most of the limited previous research. © Emerald Group Publishing Limite

Abstract

The terms innovation and entrepreneurship are commonly used - but not always with the same understanding. There is an obvious strong relationship of both areas, however, barely articulated. Moreover, so far there is few consensus among researchers regarding innovative and entrepreneurial activities in general, especially when it comes to precise definitions. Hence, this paper gives an overview of relevant literature in both areas. In this context, relevant terms and definitions and recent models linking innovation and entrepreneurship are discussed and presented. Finally, a comprehensive framework for future considerations is introduced.

Abstract

Advertizing high-technology products is a tricky and critical task for every company, since it means operating in an environment with high market uncertainty. The work presents results of a content analysis of 110 adverts for consumer electronics products which examines how these products and the incorporated technology are communicated to the customer. Based on established coding schemes, the content and the appeals of the adverts are evaluated by coders. The results show that these adverts are very informative, mainly have rational appeals and feature products being in the early stage of their life cycles. Regarding the specific content, the ‘mother brand’ is shown to play a very important role. On the other hand, the results show that incorporated technology, its superiority and functionality do not play an important role in the advertisement

Abstract

The market in the UK for renewable energy is arguably at a very critical phase in its development. Key drivers for current policy include energy security, climate change and energy prices, added to which the UK has agreed specific targets with other EU countries to help meet these challenges. The paper includes a general overview of worldwide energy demand and a comprehensive overview of renewable energy alternatives. Based on that, it describes the development of the UK renewables marketplace with a market overview including a summary of selected key organisations currently operating. Finally, this paper recapitulates the key findings of our quantitative research, based on a survey of 65 organisations operating in the market, into the state of the UK market, including a view on the trends and outlook for the future. Finally, the paper offers some concluding remarks which state, among others, that the UK market is still in its early stages compared to the EU and in general the renewable energies markets are growing internationall

Abstract

The market in the UK for renewable energy is arguably at a very critical phase in its development. Key drivers for current policy include energy security, climate change and energy prices, added to which the UK has agreed specific targets with other EU countries to help meet these challenges. The paper includes a general overview of worldwide energy demand and a comprehensive overview of renewable energy alternatives. Based on that, it describes the development of the UK renewables marketplace with a market overview including a summary of selected key organisations currently operating. Finally, this paper recapitulates the key findings of our quantitative research, based on a survey of 65 organisations operating in the market, into the state of the UK market, including a view on the trends and outlook for the future. Finally, the paper offers some concluding remarks which state, among others, that the UK market is still in its early stages compared to the EU and in general the renewable energies markets are growing internationall

Abstract

Within the framework of this paper, an extensive literature overview of technology and innovation management aspects on market pull and technology push will be given. The existing classification of market pull and technology push will be particularly shown and called into question by suggesting a conceptual framework. Additionally, the most common front end innovation models will be introduced. Finally, the authors will introduce how a technology-based service company is managing the connection of these two alternatives. A special focus will be laid on the accordant methods in order to search for current market needs and new related technologies. The selected case study will focus on one of Germany's biggest and most successful software development and information technology service providers. Based on interviews, document analysis, and practical applications, an advanced conceptual framework will be introduced as to how market pull and technology push activities within the corporate technology and innovation management can be integrated. Hence, the purpose of the paper is to introduce a theory-based conceptual framework that can be used in today's corporate environment. In this context, technology managers may use the results as a conceptual mirror, especially regarding the influencing factors of innovation impulses and the use of interdisciplinary teams (with people from inside and outside the company) to accomplish successful corporate technology and innovation management.

Abstract

Developing new innovative products in the automotive industry means investing huge sums in advance, as one does not know if the product will be successful on the market after launch. Hence, companies are interested in knowing and measuring the critical success drivers within the development steps. The paper discusses the results of a qualitative meta-analysis of 16 empirical studies on New Product Development (NPD) success, which was carried out to gain deeper insight into these success drivers. Furthermore, based on the identification of three main dimensions (development process, resources and strategy), an explorative study in the German automotive industry shows that the findings are confirmed in practice as well. However, the results also indicate that there is still a gap between knowledge about practical relevance of those dimensions and the systematic assessment of these in the process. The study shows interesting approaches of best practices, such as the assessment of product advantage in combination with scenario analysis or the identification of appropriate innovations.

Abstract

Corporate innovation management geared to long-term success calls for a strategy to grow innovations into a substantial competitive advantage. This, however, coincides with an enormous failure-rate at the market, especially in the field of breakthrough innovations. Hence, in recent times, companies are trying to alleviate the risk of lacking user-acceptance through opening their innovation processes to external actors, particularly customers. The method of integrating lead users is determined by the effective and systematic identification of leading-edge customers, which is considered to be a critical phase within this approach. With the arrival of Web 2.0 applications, there is a huge potential to improve these selection processes. Our research into online communities and weblogs scrutinised the search criteria in an online environment and revealed the following characteristics as crucial factors for the online identification of lead users: being ahead of a market trend, high expected benefits, user expertise and motivation, extreme user needs as well as opinion leadership and an online commitment. Corporate innovation management geared to long-term success calls for a strategy to grow innovations into a substantial competitive advantage. This, however, coincides with an enormous failure-rate at the market, especially in the field of breakthrough innovations. Hence, in recent times, companies are trying to alleviate the risk of lacking user-acceptance through opening their innovation processes to external actors, particularly customers. The method of integrating lead users is determined by the effective and systematic identification of leading-edge customers, which is considered to be a critical phase within this approach. With the arrival of Web 2.0 applications, there is a huge potential to improve these selection processes. Our research into online communities and weblogs scrutinised the search criteria in an online environment and revealed the following characteristics as crucial factors for the online identification of lead users: being ahead of a market trend, high expected benefits, user expertise and motivation, extreme user needs as well as opinion leadership and an online commitment. Read More: http://www.worldscientific.com/doi/abs/10.1142/S1363919608002096</

Abstract

A literature review of Performance Measurement Systems (PMS) in Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) shows that the main contributions focus on the development of theoretical models, but not on guidelines for practical implementation. In this context, an important neglected aspect is the general fitness or readiness of a SME to implement a PMS. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine critical prerequisites for a successful PMS implementation in SMEs. For this purpose, a case study in a German SME was conducted. The findings indicate that the existence of specific contingency factors -- Corporate Strategy, software-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Activity Based Costing (ABC) -- strongly supports the successful implementation of a PMS and its later use. Hence, further research shall include these prerequisites as new variables determining the PMS process. Based on that, researchers and managers of SMEs can develop individual indicators to identify their own PMS readines

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

A literature review of Performance Measurement Systems (PMS) in Small- and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) shows that the main contributions focus on the development of theoretical models, but not on guidelines for practical implementation. In this context, an important neglected aspect is the general fitness or readiness of a SME to implement a PMS. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to determine critical prerequisites for a successful PMS implementation in SMEs. For this purpose, a case study in a German SME was conducted. The findings indicate that the existence of specific contingency factors – Corporate Strategy, software-based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) and Activity Based Costing (ABC) – strongly supports the successful implementation of a PMS and its later use. Hence, further research shall include these prerequisites as new variables determining the PMS process. Based on that, researchers and managers of SMEs can develop individual indicators to identify their own PMS readines

Abstract

For decades, suggestion systems have been used to include employees in the innovation process. However, in order to gather superior ideas, integrating external stakeholders is critical to the innovation success. Within this paper, the authors derive a sophisticated model of an integrated idea management, which is examined with an explorative analysis. The results confirm the relevance of an integrated idea management, particularly the clear tendency towards an integration of external groups. Basically, this integration occurs directly through individual functional divisions such as purchasing, development and sales. Here especially, differentiating potentials are offered for emerging technology ventures. But it is important that idea and innovation management are integrated during the building-up stage while internal and external network structures are still manageable and often consist of the managers' and founders' personal contacts. Hence, the earlier an integrated idea management is implemented, the greater is the probability of high numbers of successful innovations.

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