scholarly journals Strategic priorities and competitiveness of businesses operating in different entrepreneurial ecosystems: a benefit of the doubt (BOD) analysis

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esteban Lafuente ◽  
Suyen Alonso-Ubieta ◽  
Juan Carlos Leiva ◽  
Ronald Mora-Esquivel
Keyword(s):  
Costa Rica ◽  
Multilevel Model ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Strategic Choices ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Business Competitiveness

PurposeThis study evaluates the relationship between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and business competitiveness in four different contexts (i.e. France, Spain, Hungary and Costa Rica).Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a sample of 348 manufacturing and knowledge-intensive business service firms operating in four countries with different entrepreneurial ecosystems (France, Spain, Costa Rica and Hungary) for 2019. Firm competitiveness is computed via the “benefit-of-the-doubt” (BOD) method, and a multilevel model is employed to assess the connection between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and firm competitiveness.FindingsThe results of the multilevel model indicate that the entrepreneurial ecosystem is related to firm competitiveness, while the BOD results suggest that firms operating in settings with a more consolidated entrepreneurial ecosystem are better able to realize the outcomes of strategic choices linked to the exploitation of key resources and capabilities. Country-specific results suggest that “human capital” is the most relevant competitive pillar prioritized by all sampled businesses.Originality/valueThe proposed analysis of the connection between the entrepreneurial ecosystem and business competitiveness in different contexts contributes to the development of the entrepreneurial ecosystem frame by offering insights into how the properties of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (i.e. interactions among individuals, organizations and institutions) can produce economically meaningful effects on business performance.

Are KIBS beneficial to international business performance

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
pp. 80-95 ◽  
Author(s):  
Bart Kamp ◽  
Iñigo Ruiz de Apodaca
Keyword(s):  
International Business ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Export Performance ◽  
International Competitiveness ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Industrial Policies ◽  
Industrial Sectors ◽  
Manufacturing Sectors ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
Business Competitiveness

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to test whether knowledge-intensive business services (KIBSs) contribute to international business activity. In line with studies from the servitization, the territorial competitiveness and the global value chain realm, it can be hypothesized that if KIBS consumption has a positive effect on business competitiveness, a correlation is discernible between “intensity of KIBS uptake” and “turnover and export performance at industrial sector level”. Design/methodology/approach To test this hypothesis, the authors make use of input-output tables from the Basque Country for the period 2000-2012 and regional accounts regarding turnover and export per sector and calculate how consumption of a series of KIBS correlates with turnover and export evolution for 14 industrial sectors. Findings The authors find a strong fit between consumption of KIBSs and international competitiveness parameters for the industrial sectors screened. Research limitations/implications The authors postulate that the use of KIBS is beneficial for consuming industries. Accordingly, the authors posit that having a sound KIBS basis in a territory contributes to (international) business competitiveness, and that industrial policies should foster the rapprochement of manufacturing sectors to KIBS. At the same time, the authors assume that reverse causalities may be at play (international competitiveness of manufacturing sectors boosts KIBS consumption through backward linkage effects). Practical implications The paper posits that having a sound KIBS basis in a territory contributes to international business competitiveness, and that industrial policies should foster a rapprochement of manufacturing sectors to KIBS. A further implication would be to look after a minimum critical mass and or to engage in KIBS capacity building in a territory. Absence of competitiveness-enhancing KIBS in a region may hamper business performance and staying power of user industries. The paper’s findings also imply that the posture of manufacturing firms towards uptake of knowledge-intensive services matters, and that fostering their proactiveness to interact with KIBS is indicated. Similarly, they form an argument in favour of considering KIBS as active subject matters for industrial policy design. Originality/value Amidst the several perspectives adopted upon KIBS’ role to foster business and territorial competitiveness, what is largely absent is the examination of how uptake of KIBS by respective sectors relates to the turnover or export evolutions that the sectors in question reveal. Consequently, the present paper sets out to examine this research question.

Competitive capabilities in knowledge-intensive services firms: strategic advantages of born globals in a peripheral region

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Marta Muñoz Guarasa ◽  
Bruno Brandão Fischer
Keyword(s):  
Service Sector ◽  
Ordinary Least Squares ◽  
Peripheral Region ◽  
Quality Of Services ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Born Global ◽  
Specific Domain ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose While the born global (BG) phenomenon has been well established in the literature, studies on accelerated internationalization of firms in the service sector have been scarce, particularly for the specific case of knowledge-intensive services (KIS). The purpose of this paper is to explore which competitive characteristics differentiate KIS BGs from other KIS firms in the context of a peripheral region. Design/methodology/approach The empirical focus of this study comprehends primary survey data from 250 Spanish KIS firms (Andalusia) that have been internationalized and analyzed through ordinal and ordinary least squares regressions. The authors address the “born-global effect” on five features of interest, namely, entry mode, technological capabilities, qualification of staff, external resources and quality of services. Findings Results suggest that KIS BGs in Andalusia perceive exports as a more relevant form of internationalization than its non-BG peers. Also, KIS BGs in Andalusia present higher levels of technological intensity. Differences in terms of staff qualification, access to extramural R&D resources and the quality of services could not be identified. Research limitations/implications The main limitation of this research concerns its cross-sectional character, thus hindering the evaluation of developmental trajectories taking place in the cohort under scrutiny. Such an approach would allow a better comprehension of the competitiveness dynamics in internationalized KIS firms. Also, because this assessment is geographically restricted to Andalusia, Spain, the authors recommend caution in establishing direct comparisons and appropriation of results for other regional/national contexts. Practical implications Recommendations for public policy include establishing the necessary infrastructures to encourage the technological development of KIS companies and provide support – through export promotion agencies, for instance – for early approximation with foreign markets. Taking into account the contributions of KIS firms for the development of a peripheral economy, this involves the need to establish instruments that provide strategic information to internationalize, as well as lines of funding for these companies. Originality/value Empirical evidence on KIS BGs is needed to fully grasp its differences to other internationalized service firms. The analysis within this specific domain represents an advance in the literature on this subject. Also, the context of peripheral regions – considering their economic differences to core areas – has been understudied. The elaboration and application of the survey have allowed the authors to have access to primary in-depth data and, therefore, to build a better understanding of KIS BGs in Andalusia, Spain.

Intellectual capital and firm performance in the global agribusiness industry

2016 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 530-552 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vincenzo Scafarto ◽  
Federica Ricci ◽  
Francesco Scafarto
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Capital ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Performance Metrics ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Performance Counter ◽  
Knowledge Intensive ◽  
And Performance ◽  
Performance Results ◽  
The Relationship

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between intellectual capital (IC), categorized in terms of four sub-constructs – namely, human capital (HC), relational capital (RC), innovation capital (InnC) and process capital (PrC) – and business performance in the agribusiness industry. Design/methodology/approach – Based on a sample of international agribusiness companies observed over a five-year period, this paper uses correlation and multiple regression analysis to test for the existence of a positive relationship between each IC component and conventional business performance metrics. Findings – The empirical results support the hypotheses that RC and PrC have a positive impact on corporate performance. Counter to the expectations, InnC by itself is negatively associated with performance. Results also failed to confirm the hypothesis that HC directly and positively affects performance. However HC positively moderates the relation between InnC and performance, which suggests that firms that heavily invest in HC are better placed to gain returns from their research and development (R & D) investments. Originality/value – This study expands the existing research on the link between IC and performance by adding fresh evidence from a highly knowledge-intensive sector which has been under-researched thus far. It may also contribute to the specific literature on R & D and performance as it uncovers that the value-generating effect associated with R & D investments is contingent on the levels of HC.

scholarly journals Start-ups in entrepreneurial ecosystems: the role of relational capacity

2021 ◽  
Vol 59 (13) ◽  
pp. 115-135
Author(s):  
Gaël Gueguen ◽  
Servane Delanoë-Gueguen ◽  
Christian Lechner
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Firm Characteristics ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Public Authorities ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Relational Capacity ◽  
Local Resources ◽  
Local Actors ◽  
Start Ups

PurposeEntrepreneurial ecosystems provide the context for start-ups to access resources. The authors investigate the reliance of start-ups on their entrepreneurial ecosystem and the driving factors behind the proportion of local actors (belonging to their entrepreneurial ecosystem) within their overall set of relationships (their business ecosystem). Recognizing the limited relational capacity of firms, the authors focus on three differentiating firm characteristics: size, age and innovation of firms.Design/methodology/approachThe authors developed a sample of 163 start-ups located in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Toulouse, France. The authors investigated the characteristics of their relationship sets using regression analysis.FindingsThe results confirm that age is inversely related to the proportion of a start-up's relationships located in its entrepreneurial ecosystem. More surprisingly, for older start-ups, the authors also highlight the presence of a moderating effect of the start-up's size on the relationship between its degree of innovation and the proportion of its relationships in its entrepreneurial ecosystem: Larger and more innovative start-ups appear to rely more on their local entrepreneurial ecosystem.Originality/valueThis research increases the understanding of the characteristics driving the interactions of start-ups with their entrepreneurial ecosystems by adopting a relational capacity approach. The authors introduce digital methods as an innovative approach for uncovering firms' ecosystems. Finally, from a practical point of view, the research should provide public authorities seeking to promote the link between local resources and the development of innovative start-ups in their regions with interesting insights.

scholarly journals Assessing entrepreneurial ecosystems through a strategic value network approach: evidence from the San Francisco Area

2021 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 261-276
Author(s):  
Angelo Cavallo ◽  
Antonio Ghezzi ◽  
Silvia Sanasi
Keyword(s):  
San Francisco ◽  
Value Creation ◽  
San Francisco Bay ◽  
Original Model ◽  
Strategic Decision ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Value Network ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Strategic Value

PurposeThe purpose of this article is to develop a model to assess entrepreneurial ecosystems. Specifically, the authors examine how to measure value creation and value capture mechanisms from a single participant's perspective and at the ecosystem level through a strategic value network-based approach.Design/methodology/approachBuilding on extant research on strategic networks, value networks and business models and leveraging a qualitative survey, the authors develop and test an assessment tool to measure value creation and capture within the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the San Francisco Bay Area.FindingsThe authors show that value-based measures on entrepreneurial ecosystems provide a systemic approach to assess how ecosystems operate, which can guide policymakers, entrepreneurs and all the other stakeholders of entrepreneurial ecosystems in their strategic decision-making process.Originality/valueThe authors provide an original model grounded in the strategic management and entrepreneurship literature for entrepreneurial ecosystems' assessment as few studies have done before. Besides, the authors provide an illustrative attempt to show how to empirically apply the original model by assessing the San Francisco Bay Area's entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Shoals Shift Project: an ecosystem transformation success story

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 339-358
Author(s):  
Edward Morrison ◽  
John D. Barrett ◽  
Janyce B. Fadden
Keyword(s):  
Success Story ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ventures ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Civic Leaders ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Ecosystem Transformation ◽  
The University ◽  
Sustainable Projects

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to apply a reflective theory of development for entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Muscle Shoals region of northern Alabama. The theory provides guidance for practitioners and policymakers interested in developing entrepreneurial ecosystems. Design/methodology/approach The theory offers five propositions, which are illustrated and applied in the case study. The propositions include the need for civic leaders recognizing local talent; support networks for entrepreneurs; a quality, connected place; activities designed to increase interactivity for entrepreneurs within the ecosystem; five distinct phases producing replicable, scalable and sustainable projects; and universities providing platforms upon which the ecosystems can develop. Findings Application of the proposed theory is transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Muscle Shoals region. In just four years, the project has produced over 30 initiatives and events, precipitously increased student participation in entrepreneurial ventures and raised over $1m. Originality/value The theory and its application developed from a collaboration between the Agile Strategy Lab at Purdue University and the Institute for Innovation and Economic Development at the University of North Alabama. This collaboration is replicable, scalable and sustainable, and is a model for university-led entrepreneurial ecosystem development and transformation.

A relational perspective on entrepreneurial ecosystems

2018 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 220-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
Thomas G. Pittz ◽  
Giles Hertz
Keyword(s):  
Vital Role ◽  
Delphi Panel ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Research Activity ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Key Skills ◽  
The University ◽  
The Impact

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to explore the role of the entrepreneurship center (EC) in the larger entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurial ecosystems thrive because of complex interdependencies and dynamic relationships between and among its participants. While the university has often been highlighted as a key player in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, the role of the EC within the university, despite its strategically influential position in stimulating entrepreneurship, has not received sufficient attention in scholarship. Design/methodology/approach The authors attempt to address this gap in scholarship using an expert Delphi panel approach to explore the vital role that the EC plays in ensuring the vibrancy of the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem. In doing so, the authors tackle the question of sustainability of the EC by outlining a structural framework and key job characteristics of the EC director so that it may thrive beyond the tenure of a transformational leader. Findings In analyzing the responses of Delphi panelists and reviewing the theoretical foundations, the authors have identified three areas for discussion: the question of whether the EC director ought to be an academic job, the key skills of an effective EC director and how to sustain the EC after the departure of a transformative leader. Considering the vital role that the EC plays in the university and regional entrepreneurial ecosystems, these questions have importance for the future of the practice of entrepreneurship. Originality/value The role of the EC in the larger regional entrepreneurial ecosystem and the impact of the EC director are subjects that have been largely unaddressed by current scholarship. This is despite the growing number of ECs, the growth of entrepreneurship as a discipline, the desire to foster entrepreneurial universities and the struggle to find suitable EC leadership talent. The EC is critical for bringing together various actors within the regional entrepreneurship ecosystem, creating and maintaining an entrepreneurial culture and fostering co-curricular learning to develop human capital, key benefits that the university provides on top of its research activity.

Rust belt or revitalization: competing narratives in entrepreneurial ecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip T. Roundy
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Rust Belt ◽  
Cultural Narratives ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Connected Set ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeEntrepreneurial ecosystems, the inter-connected set of organizing forces that produce and sustain regional entrepreneurial activity, are receiving heightened attention. This research finds that narratives about ecosystem participants discursively construct entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, the studies do not emphasize ecosystem and region-level narratives, focus on ecosystems in which narratives are uncontested and, thus, do not examine how ecosystem narratives compete with other regional narratives. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory that explains how narratives and entrepreneurial ecosystems emerge and change in response to existing regional narratives.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal process model is proposed to explain how entrepreneurial ecosystem narratives emerge and compete with other regional narratives. To illustrate the phases of the model, archival data were collected from three entrepreneurial ecosystems where new narratives have had to overcome entrenched economic and cultural narratives.FindingsIt is theorized that entrepreneurial ecosystems emerge, in part, through discourse. For an entrepreneurial ecosystem to develop, a narrative must take hold that allows participants to make sense of the new entrepreneurial activities and the changes to the region. A four-phase process model is presented to explain how entrepreneurial ecosystem narratives compete with other regional narratives and, particularly, negative economic narratives.Originality/valueThe theory developed in this paper contributes to the research on entrepreneurial ecosystems and organizational narratives and generates practical implications for policymakers and entrepreneurs seeking to promote entrepreneurship as a tool for economic development.

Human capital, service innovation advantage, and business performance

2016 ◽  
Vol 36 (9) ◽  
pp. 974-994 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniel I. Prajogo ◽  
Adegoke Oke
Keyword(s):  
Human Capital ◽  
Business Performance ◽  
Service Sector ◽  
Service Innovation ◽  
Mail Survey ◽  
Business Environment ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Firm Level ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Content Type

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of human capital (HC) on service innovation advantage (SIA) and business performance (BP) in service sector firms, and how external environmental factors influence these relationships. Design/methodology/approach This study utilized a cross-sectional mail survey of a random sample of Australian service firms with the unit of analysis being at the firm level. In total, 228 usable responses were received. Findings The overall findings of this study show that HC is positively related to the creation of value or SIA which in turn results in rent generation for firms. The results further show that the effect of SIA on BP is influenced by environmental dynamism and competitiveness with dynamic environments enhancing the effect while competitive environments weakening it. Research limitations/implications The findings demonstrate the complementarity between the resource based theory and contingency theory as they clearly shows that the value of innovation as a firm’s capability is enhanced or weakened within a business environment that is more dynamic or competitive. Practical implications The findings demonstrate the importance of HC, and, thus, encourage managers to seek ways to harness and leverage HC for improving innovation and BP. In addition, the study also helps managers to understand the contingency effect of business environment on the effectiveness of innovation, hence, helping them in deliberating firms’ strategy in different business environments. Originality/value To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study which examines the effectiveness of HC as organizational resource for building SIA as a source of organizational competitive advantage.

The outsourcing practice among small knowledge-intensive service firms

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ingi Runar Edvardsson ◽  
Guðmundur Kristján Óskarsson ◽  
Susanne Durst
Keyword(s):  
Cost Reduction ◽  
Cost Savings ◽  
Core Competency ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Service Firms ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Security Services ◽  
Knowledge Based ◽  
Depth Study ◽  
Knowledge Intensive

Purpose This paper aims to present findings on outsourcing practices in small service firms in Iceland, where the prime focus is on knowledge-intensive service firms. Design/methodology/approach To gain information on the scope and reason for outsourcing, telephone and online surveys were used. In total, 802 firms participated in the surveys, which were conducted in the period 2009-2018. Findings The results show that knowledge-intensive firms outsource far more than other service firms and are also more likely to have an outsourcing strategy. The grounds for increased outsourcing are cost reduction and strategic reasons, such as a focus on core competency and the search for external knowledge. In comparison with other firms, knowledge-intensive firms are increasingly outsourcing cleaning, security services, canteen and transportation, IT processes, human resource management, training and consulting. Additionally, managers of these firms select suppliers more on the basis of cost and quality. They also realize more cost savings as a consequence of outsourcing. Outsourcing had a very limited effect on employment in the firms, while cost reduction was achieved in 48.3 per cent of the firms involved. Research limitations/implications The findings are in line with the resource-based theory and, interestingly, this is not limited to knowledge-based firms, but to a large portion of service firms as well. Originality/value This is the first in-depth study on outsourcing patterns in knowledge-intensive firms, which uses theoretical classification in empirical analysis.

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