The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
There is an ongoing scholarly debate regarding the compatibility of sustained high levels of firm-level growth with today's environmental sustainability goals, which include targets for limiting carbon emissions and avoiding further biodiversity loss. In this study, we aim to explore this issue through a quantitative analysis of the relationship between firm-level growth and sustainable innovation (i.e., all innovations with benefits for the environment) within an international sample of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). To accomplish this, we utilise micro-data from the Community Innovation Survey, based on the conceptual framework provided by the Oslo Manual. By employing econometric models, we demonstrate that sustainable innovations promote SME growth. Specifically, we find that SMEs implementing sustainable innovations experience higher growth compared to those that do not practice them. Our research not only contributes to the existing literature in economics and management by providing more extensive knowledge but it also identifies several policy and management implications. Furthermore, we seek to offer novel insights into the importance of sustainable innovations adopted by growth-oriented SMEs.
Category Archives: The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
Opposing forces of business model innovation in the renewable energy sector: Alternative patterns and strategies
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
An increased focus on renewable energy use and the liberalisation and digitalisation of the energy market has led to the adoption of innovative business models by energy businesses. This paper explores business model innovation in the electrical sector. Using multiple case studies of businesses in the electrical market in Scandinavia, this study shows why and how their business models have changed. Change forces and environmental strategies leading to certain patterns of business model innovation serve as the main study objectives. The pricing models, servitisation and appearance of new actors have mostly pronounced patterns of innovative business models of energy businesses. These patterns are predetermined by external pressures, such as industrial advancements and social trends, and are supported by businesses’ efficiency-oriented strategies. The study outcomes have implications on practice, showing the need for proactiveness and a consequent action plan for energy businesses to implement alternative environmental strategies. This study contributes by providing a novel insight into business model innovation by revealing mechanisms catalysing change from the multidimensional perspective – embracing the ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ of the change within energy businesses.
An increased focus on renewable energy use and the liberalisation and digitalisation of the energy market has led to the adoption of innovative business models by energy businesses. This paper explores business model innovation in the electrical sector. Using multiple case studies of businesses in the electrical market in Scandinavia, this study shows why and how their business models have changed. Change forces and environmental strategies leading to certain patterns of business model innovation serve as the main study objectives. The pricing models, servitisation and appearance of new actors have mostly pronounced patterns of innovative business models of energy businesses. These patterns are predetermined by external pressures, such as industrial advancements and social trends, and are supported by businesses’ efficiency-oriented strategies. The study outcomes have implications on practice, showing the need for proactiveness and a consequent action plan for energy businesses to implement alternative environmental strategies. This study contributes by providing a novel insight into business model innovation by revealing mechanisms catalysing change from the multidimensional perspective – embracing the ‘cause’ and ‘effect’ of the change within energy businesses.
When social media backfires – intrusive ties in entrepreneurship
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
This study critically explores the potential negative impacts of social media for entrepreneurship, and acknowledges online interactions as a part of the social dynamics surrounding entrepreneurship. The study departs from theories on entrepreneurship as a context-dependent social process and uses Granovetter’s concept of ties as a theoretical lens. To develop an understanding of the social aspects of entrepreneurship, this study employs qualitative methods of inquiry and combines a netnographic approach with ethnography. This study illustrates the need to include interactions on social media platforms as a part of the social context for entrepreneurs, and introduces the concept of intrusive ties for explaining how individuals online can, forcibly, make themselves part of the entrepreneurial process.
This study critically explores the potential negative impacts of social media for entrepreneurship, and acknowledges online interactions as a part of the social dynamics surrounding entrepreneurship. The study departs from theories on entrepreneurship as a context-dependent social process and uses Granovetter’s concept of ties as a theoretical lens. To develop an understanding of the social aspects of entrepreneurship, this study employs qualitative methods of inquiry and combines a netnographic approach with ethnography. This study illustrates the need to include interactions on social media platforms as a part of the social context for entrepreneurs, and introduces the concept of intrusive ties for explaining how individuals online can, forcibly, make themselves part of the entrepreneurial process.
Entrepreneurial orientation and SMEs export performance: The role of social media capital and business network ties
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this research is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) export performance with the moderating effect of social media capital and business network ties. A quantitative survey design was employed for this study. Empirical data for this paper were drawn from 369 Ghanaian SME exporting firms, using the purposive sampling technique, and the hypothesized relationships were analyzed using AMOS v.23 in structural equation modeling. The study reveals that export performance of SMEs is principally determined by their EO. In addition, this effect is reinforced by the social media capital and business network ties, exerting a positive moderating role. The paper provides practical implications for SMEs and policymakers on the need to leverage social media capital and business network ties, given their importance to improving export performance, rather than focusing solely on EO.
Drawing on the resource-based view (RBV) theory, the purpose of this research is to examine the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO) on small- and medium-sized enterprise (SME) export performance with the moderating effect of social media capital and business network ties. A quantitative survey design was employed for this study. Empirical data for this paper were drawn from 369 Ghanaian SME exporting firms, using the purposive sampling technique, and the hypothesized relationships were analyzed using AMOS v.23 in structural equation modeling. The study reveals that export performance of SMEs is principally determined by their EO. In addition, this effect is reinforced by the social media capital and business network ties, exerting a positive moderating role. The paper provides practical implications for SMEs and policymakers on the need to leverage social media capital and business network ties, given their importance to improving export performance, rather than focusing solely on EO.
Managing neolocalism outside the locale in real ale and craft beer entrepreneurship: The case of Ben Lui Brewery
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
This case focuses on the role played by place and neolocalism in real ale and craft beer entrepreneurship, and the dilemma of how to manage neolocalism when a firm extends into markets beyond its established locale. It examines how a sense of belonging and ‘locatedness’ underpins a small, entrepreneurial brewery's vision, mission and market differentiation, contributing to the firm's brand equity amongst its core audiences. The owner-director, Duncan, is currently considering the brand implications of a possible expansion of sales activities into England and Wales. He expects that English and Welsh stakeholders will derive different meanings from the place-oriented aspects of the firm's brand when compared with his established Scottish stakeholders but is unsure how and to what effect. The case considers the extent to which perceptions of neolocalism and place-specificity can differ between local and non-local stakeholders. The concept is explored in the context of rural entrepreneurship, and in the strategic decision making of a small, independent brewery in rural Scotland.
This case focuses on the role played by place and neolocalism in real ale and craft beer entrepreneurship, and the dilemma of how to manage neolocalism when a firm extends into markets beyond its established locale. It examines how a sense of belonging and ‘locatedness’ underpins a small, entrepreneurial brewery's vision, mission and market differentiation, contributing to the firm's brand equity amongst its core audiences. The owner-director, Duncan, is currently considering the brand implications of a possible expansion of sales activities into England and Wales. He expects that English and Welsh stakeholders will derive different meanings from the place-oriented aspects of the firm's brand when compared with his established Scottish stakeholders but is unsure how and to what effect. The case considers the extent to which perceptions of neolocalism and place-specificity can differ between local and non-local stakeholders. The concept is explored in the context of rural entrepreneurship, and in the strategic decision making of a small, independent brewery in rural Scotland.
How the pandemic has changed innovation collaboration in SMEs, as illustrated by four co-innovation projects
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
The recent health crisis has particularly affected small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some have had to temporarily close their doors. Others chose to innovate by developing new products to take advantage of the situation and survive. However, innovation is a risky strategy, so there are many failures. Innovation collaboration is one way of limiting these failures and increasing the chances of project success. Nevertheless, little is known about SMEs’ innovation collaboration practices in the context of a crisis, and even before the pandemic, and further research is needed. This study aims to understand the innovation process and the collaboration practices adopted by SMEs for their product innovation projects to cope with the pandemic, by comparing their pre-pandemic practices with those implemented at the start of the pandemic. Based on four successful product innovation projects in two different SMEs, our results show that, at the start of the pandemic, collaborations included a larger number of partners, involved in more stages of the innovation process, in order to accelerate the new product development and commercialization, rapidly provide the necessary resources and response to customer needs.
The recent health crisis has particularly affected small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Some have had to temporarily close their doors. Others chose to innovate by developing new products to take advantage of the situation and survive. However, innovation is a risky strategy, so there are many failures. Innovation collaboration is one way of limiting these failures and increasing the chances of project success. Nevertheless, little is known about SMEs’ innovation collaboration practices in the context of a crisis, and even before the pandemic, and further research is needed. This study aims to understand the innovation process and the collaboration practices adopted by SMEs for their product innovation projects to cope with the pandemic, by comparing their pre-pandemic practices with those implemented at the start of the pandemic. Based on four successful product innovation projects in two different SMEs, our results show that, at the start of the pandemic, collaborations included a larger number of partners, involved in more stages of the innovation process, in order to accelerate the new product development and commercialization, rapidly provide the necessary resources and response to customer needs.
Entrepreneurial alertness and entrepreneurial orientation: Contributions to opportunity identification
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
The literature presents entrepreneurial alertness (EA)—a cognitive resource—as an antecedent of entrepreneurial opportunity identification, although empirical evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to test this relationship and explore the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), which provides a mobilizing vision for leveraging firm's resources, as a mediating mechanism for this relationship. Using data collected from 152 French entrepreneurs, our results empirically confirm the relationship between EA and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Furthermore, we find a positive relationship between EA and each of the three dimensions of EO (i.e. innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking propensity). However, only one dimension of EO—proactiveness—has a significant relationship with entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Our results highlight the mediating role of proactiveness in the relationship between EA and the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities and also confirm the interest in further research on this critical dimension of EO.
The literature presents entrepreneurial alertness (EA)—a cognitive resource—as an antecedent of entrepreneurial opportunity identification, although empirical evidence is lacking. The aim of this study is to test this relationship and explore the influence of entrepreneurial orientation (EO), which provides a mobilizing vision for leveraging firm's resources, as a mediating mechanism for this relationship. Using data collected from 152 French entrepreneurs, our results empirically confirm the relationship between EA and entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Furthermore, we find a positive relationship between EA and each of the three dimensions of EO (i.e. innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking propensity). However, only one dimension of EO—proactiveness—has a significant relationship with entrepreneurial opportunity identification. Our results highlight the mediating role of proactiveness in the relationship between EA and the identification of entrepreneurial opportunities and also confirm the interest in further research on this critical dimension of EO.
How to create organizational change capability? Management dynamic capability, innovation, and it’s impact on the organizational performance: Knowledge spillover as mediating variable
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
Organizational change capability is absolutely necessary for organizations to make survive in a dynamic and competitive market environment. To improve the organizational system to achieve goals by prioritizing the development of change capabilities in a comprehensive manner, from every element or unit within the organization. Organizational change will not be achieved optimally and purposefully without a management capability design in building a change strategy. The existence of a management dynamic capability design can create an innovation through optimizing knowledge sourced from internal and external organizations. The existence of innovation in the organization will have an impact on improving organizational performance to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. This study aims to examine the effect of management dynamic capability on innovation; examine the mediating role of knowledge spillover on the effect of management capability on innovation; examine the impact of innovation on firm performance. This study uses a quantitative approach, the sampling technique is purposive sampling. The data used is primary data through online distributed surveys by the sample size 218 respondents. Data analysis techniques using the Structural Equition Modeling test. The results of the study show that management dynamic capability has a significant positive effect on innovation mediated by knowledge spillover. Then, innovation has a significant positive effect on organizational performance.
Organizational change capability is absolutely necessary for organizations to make survive in a dynamic and competitive market environment. To improve the organizational system to achieve goals by prioritizing the development of change capabilities in a comprehensive manner, from every element or unit within the organization. Organizational change will not be achieved optimally and purposefully without a management capability design in building a change strategy. The existence of a management dynamic capability design can create an innovation through optimizing knowledge sourced from internal and external organizations. The existence of innovation in the organization will have an impact on improving organizational performance to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage. This study aims to examine the effect of management dynamic capability on innovation; examine the mediating role of knowledge spillover on the effect of management capability on innovation; examine the impact of innovation on firm performance. This study uses a quantitative approach, the sampling technique is purposive sampling. The data used is primary data through online distributed surveys by the sample size 218 respondents. Data analysis techniques using the Structural Equition Modeling test. The results of the study show that management dynamic capability has a significant positive effect on innovation mediated by knowledge spillover. Then, innovation has a significant positive effect on organizational performance.
Innovation capabilities and market performance in the Zimbabwean telecommunications industry: The mediating role of individual activity
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
Drawing upon the dynamic capabilities approach, this research examined the impact of innovation capabilities on market performance. Innovation capabilities are widely acknowledged as critical ingredients of entrepreneurial performance. Consequently, there has been a plethora of research work on this concept. However, owing to the multifaceted nature of innovation capability as a construct, there has been increased calls for more research on this concept. Hence, this study adopted the survey method and collected data from 170 managers from the Zimbabwean Telecoms sector. Results, analysed using Structural Equation Modelling, revealed the significant direct impact of participatory leadership culture and individual activity on market performance. Individual activity partially mediated the relationship between participatory leadership culture and market performance. However, no mediation was found between work climate and well-being and market performance. This study contributes to the innovation literature by examining the mediating mechanisms through which innovation capabilities enhance firm-level performance. Finally, the research extends the innovation literature by validating the link between innovation capabilities and market performance.
Drawing upon the dynamic capabilities approach, this research examined the impact of innovation capabilities on market performance. Innovation capabilities are widely acknowledged as critical ingredients of entrepreneurial performance. Consequently, there has been a plethora of research work on this concept. However, owing to the multifaceted nature of innovation capability as a construct, there has been increased calls for more research on this concept. Hence, this study adopted the survey method and collected data from 170 managers from the Zimbabwean Telecoms sector. Results, analysed using Structural Equation Modelling, revealed the significant direct impact of participatory leadership culture and individual activity on market performance. Individual activity partially mediated the relationship between participatory leadership culture and market performance. However, no mediation was found between work climate and well-being and market performance. This study contributes to the innovation literature by examining the mediating mechanisms through which innovation capabilities enhance firm-level performance. Finally, the research extends the innovation literature by validating the link between innovation capabilities and market performance.
The evolving relationship of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation: A topic modeling perspective
The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Ahead of Print.
Entrepreneurship is considered as a strong pillar for economic growth. In today's competitive era, technology and innovation facilitate firms’ competitiveness and long-term survival. Therefore, the research on the interconnection of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation (ETI) is growing and requires consolidation. This study presents a state-of-the-art review on ETI and presents a research agenda. Based on the topic modeling and semantic network analysis, this study classifies entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation articles into eight different topics and identifies the relationships among them. The study identifies 1407 articles collected through Scopus database. Eight salient research themes emerge: types of innovation (Topic 1), small venture performance (Topic 2), role of gender in digital entrepreneurship (Topic 3), entrepreneurial ecosystem (Topic 4), technological ventures (Topic 5), venture sustainability and growth (Topic 6), technology transfer (Topic 7), and government policies (Topic 8). The theoretical implications highlighting future research avenues are discussed in this study. Additionally, utilizing the semantic network, this study proposes a sequential mediation model. It provides a graphic representation of the interconnectivity between keywords from the identified topics, revealing deeper insights that may not be immediately apparent through traditional review methods. Further, this paper presents a range of insights for researchers and practitioners.
Entrepreneurship is considered as a strong pillar for economic growth. In today's competitive era, technology and innovation facilitate firms’ competitiveness and long-term survival. Therefore, the research on the interconnection of entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation (ETI) is growing and requires consolidation. This study presents a state-of-the-art review on ETI and presents a research agenda. Based on the topic modeling and semantic network analysis, this study classifies entrepreneurship, technology, and innovation articles into eight different topics and identifies the relationships among them. The study identifies 1407 articles collected through Scopus database. Eight salient research themes emerge: types of innovation (Topic 1), small venture performance (Topic 2), role of gender in digital entrepreneurship (Topic 3), entrepreneurial ecosystem (Topic 4), technological ventures (Topic 5), venture sustainability and growth (Topic 6), technology transfer (Topic 7), and government policies (Topic 8). The theoretical implications highlighting future research avenues are discussed in this study. Additionally, utilizing the semantic network, this study proposes a sequential mediation model. It provides a graphic representation of the interconnectivity between keywords from the identified topics, revealing deeper insights that may not be immediately apparent through traditional review methods. Further, this paper presents a range of insights for researchers and practitioners.