Who is the corporate entrepreneur? Insights from opportunity discovery and Creation Theory

Recent research has begun to address and even compare nascent entrepreneurship and nascent corporate entrepreneurship. An opportunity based view holds great potential to integrate both streams of research, but also presents challenges in how we define corporate entrepreneurship. We extend (corporate) entrepreneurship literature to the opportunity identification phase by providing a framework to classify different types of corporate entrepreneurship. Through analysis of a large dataset on nascent (corporate) entrepreneurship (PSEDII) we show that these corporate entrepreneurs differ largely from each other in terms of human capital. Prior studies have indicated that independent and corporate entrepreneurs pursue different types of opportunities and utilize different strategies. Our findings from the opportunity identification phase challenge those differences and seem to indicate a difference between the opportunities corporate entrepreneurs identify versus the opportunities they exploit.

The role of digressive learning and uniqueness on performance : longitudinal evidence from young firms

The ability to differentiate from competitors through the selection of unique offerings is an important cornerstone of competitive performance. Developing unique products and services to offer in the marketplace is not only important for established firms, but also an important strategic choice for young firms (Baum and Haveman, 1997). Unlike large and established firms, young firms tend to have less access to adequate resources, well-developed sources of information, contact networks, and considerable experience and management know-how. That is, these firms differ significantly in their attributes and performance from larger and well-established firms (c.f. Miller and Chen, 1994). Although young firms are disadvantaged by the paucity of resources in putting together its unique product offering(s), they develop different pathways in advancing their assortment of capabilities that enables them to stay ahead of competitors.

Resource constraints in innovation : the role of bricolage in new venture creation and firm development

The emerging theory of ‘bricolage’ as a resource behaviour represents an attempt to address the central entrepreneurship research problem of making systematic sense of entrepreneurs that sometimes manage to create significant new economic activity under what appears to be severe resource constraints (Baker & Nelson 2005). However, despite growing interest in bricolage there is little large scale empirical evidence about the effectiveness and outcomes of using bricolage processes while developing innovative outcomes in nascent and young firms. In this research we test bricolage using different forms of innovation using data from the Comprehensive Australian Study of Entrepreneurial Emergence (CAUSEE) project. Our results indicate overall positive results of bricolage with all forms of innovativeness. A discussion of the results and recommended future research is provided.

Nascent venture performance : linking novelty of venture ideas and commitment of firm founders as predictors

The individual-opportunity nexus emphasizes that both the characteristics of individuals and venture ideas have roles in the entrepreneurial process (Shane & Venkataraman, 2000). Following upon this assertion the present study examined whether the venture idea novelty and investment of resources can make an important part in the venture creation process. Data analysed for a sample of nascent entrepreneurs in Australia suggests that the novelty of venture ideas restricts the performance of nascent ventures. However, the more investment of time and money do not show a significant impact to the venture performance.

Balanced skills among nascent entrepreneurs

This paper examines the effects and origins of balanced skills among nascent entrepreneurs. In a first step we extend Lazear’s jack-of-all-trades theory to formally model performance effects of balanced skills. In a second step we investigate potential sources of balanced skills related to the investment hypothesis and the endowment hypothesis. Analyzing data on 100 high-potential nascent projects, we find support for the hypothesis that balanced skills are an important factor for making progress in the venture creation process. Interestingly, none of the traditional human capital indicators such as prior managerial and entrepreneurial experience predict the progress of the project. However, they contribute to a balanced skill set, supporting the investment hypothesis on balanced skill origins. We also find empirical evidence for the endowment hypothesis suggesting that a balanced skill set is deeply rooted in the adolescent development and personality characteristics of the nascent entrepreneurs.

The role of immigrant entrepreneurs in international new ventures

Immigrant Entrepreneurs (IE) are often portrayed as being pushed into self-employment due to employment barriers in their adopted countries. But IE have human resources, like international experience, which can help them form international new ventures (INV). We question the role of IE in INV. We use randomly selected data from 561 young firms from the Comprehensive Australian Study of Entrepreneurial Emergence (CAUSEE) project. We find that IE are overrepresented in INV and have many of the characteristics known to facilitate INV success. These findings have relevance to policy makers, IE and NE.

Examining the black box between stimulating regions and individual entrepreneurship

This paper seeks to investigate the link between the objective regional opportunity structure (captured by regional data) and individuals’ engagement in different stages in the venture creation process (intention to start a business and engagement in nascent entrepreneurship). We further investigate pathways through which a favourable regional environment could affect entrepreneurial intentions and the propensity to be a nascent entrepreneur. We combine individual level GEM-data for Western Germany with regional level data from the statistical office and use multi-level analysis to test our hypotheses. We find support for our contention that a favourable regional opportunity structure affects entrepreneurial intentions and engagement. As pathways between the region and individual behaviour serve the individual perception of founding opportunities and the individual social capital.

Taking stock of temporary organizational forms : a systematic review and research agenda

This paper brings together the research on temporary organizational forms. Despite a recent surge in publications on this topic, there have been few attempts to integrate knowledge on what we know of such temporary forms of organization. In order to correct this, an integrative framework is proposed around four central themes: time, team, task and context. Within each of these themes, the paper offers an overview of the literature, the gaps in what we know, and what future directions might be taken by scholars hoping to contribute to this important and rapidly growing field.

From social foresight to social entrepreneurship: pathways to sustainability

This study asks the central question, ‘Are social entrepreneurs using foresight to create innovation based on triple bottom line sustainability measures?’ and ‘if so, how?’ Sustainability is the emergent criteria for evaluating many aspects of the social world, including corporate governance, health systems, economics, social welfare and the environment. All the while, innovation is one of the key factors in the constitution of our social worlds, be this legislative, organisational, social or technical change. Therefore, it appears that the drive toward sustainability should be coupled with an emphasis on innovation – in particular creating innovation toward sustainability. Yet unexamined assumptions exist behind such language. Sustainability is a concept within the context of ‘the future’, requiring one to question ‘what is the future’ – in essence a utilisation of the strategic capacity for foresight. Foresight, moreover, ranges from the tacit assumed personal foresight of the ordinary individual to the specialised foresight of the professional forecaster, scenario planner, or foresight practitioner.

ACE research vignette 001 : benefits and drawbacks of start-up team heterogeneity

This series of research vignettes is aimed at sharing current and interesting research findings from our team of international Entrepreneurship researchers. In this vignette, Dr. Micheal Stuetzer considers some of the benefits and drawbacks associated with team start-up.

ACE research vignette 002 : competing through service innovation - the case of project-oriented firms

This series of research vignettes is aimed at sharing current and interesting research findings from our team of international Entrepreneurship researchers. In this vignette, Dr Sandeep Salunke shares insights from his research on project-oriented firms.

ACE research vignette 003 : different strokes for different folks - classification of entrepreneurial musicians and their use of online social networks

This series of research vignettes is aimed at sharing current and interesting research findings from our team of international entrepreneurship researchers. In this vignette Dr Maria Kaya and Associate Professor Paul Steffens consider both the classification of musicians and their use of online social networks.

ACE research vignette 004 : growing profitable or growing from profits?

This series of research vignettes is aimed at sharing current and interesting research findings from our team of international Entrepreneurship researchers. In this vignette, Professor Per Davidsson considers some of the dynamics associated with firm growth.

ACE research vignette 005 : success or failure - what makes the difference in managing new product development?

This series of research vignettes is aimed at sharing current and interesting findings from our team of international Entrepreneurship researchers. In this vignette, Dr Henri Burgers considers some of the factors that can make a difference in managing new product development.