Government and innovation performance: evidence from the ICT enterprising community

Purpose The purpose of this paper will be on finding and analyzing the impact of government on the information and communication technology (ICT) companies’ innovation performance. The study aims to conduct in-depth research about the government as an integrated actor of the innovation ecosystem (IE), not a sole member. This would be the core finding toward doing further research about the impact of the innovation ecosystem in the ICT sector in Kosovo. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research has been considered the most suitable data collection method. Furthermore, in this study, it is used convenience sampling as a technique of the sampling process. The sample size of this study is 106 participants. The participants are owners or representatives of ICT companies in Kosovo. Since the study is conducted using the deductive approach, the questionnaire is considered to be the most suitable instrument for gathering data. Findings This paper provides empirical insights that the company’s size and the dedicated department for research and development have no impact on how the company takes advantage of public funding from the government. Furthermore, the authors of the paper found out that government has a positive impact on companies’ introduction of new products and services, while the impact of the government on a company’s financial performance was insignificant. Research limitations/implications The future research direction should be firstly on studying other IE actors and their impact on companies’ innovation performance and secondly on measuring the IE actors as a set of actors to have a broader picture on how IE impacts the companies’ innovation performance. Practical implications The scientific contribution of this study will be on mapping, analyzing and proposing government policies in accordance with the findings of this study that would lead to a more comprehensive and sustainable IE in Kosovo. Originality/value This study tries to fulfill an identified need to study the impact of interconnected actors of an innovation ecosystem and to show how they affect each other. In this study, it is taken for research one fragment of a set of actors.

“Community and health-care service quality in Kosovo”: “a confirmatory analytical approach”

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop and test a modified service quality (SERVQUAL) model scale for measuring healthcare service quality in Kosovo. Design/methodology/approach An initial dimensions area methodology in construct development, followed by combined exploratory-analytical deductive research with the goal to test theory concepts and validate the measurement tool known from the theory of service quality using new empirical data in a specific context. A cross-sectional survey on a sample of 200 post-encountered patients and using structural equation modelling (SEM) and SEM path analysis to determine satisfaction. Findings The findings confirmed that a six-dimensional scale of SERVQUAL is not appropriate for the Kosovo health-care context. The scale development analysis with a new reduced four-dimensional model can be used to measure health service quality in the Kosovan context. Research limitations/implications The initial study concept was not piloted. It was developed by the researcher based on secondary data. Systematic random sampling was used, which may have resulted in conclusions that are not applicable to the general population. Finally, this study is applicable to the Kosovo context and cannot be generalized nor represent all patients treated in Kosovo hospitals and clinics. However, the above limitations are less significant compared to the importance of carrying out this type of study for the first time in Kosovo. Practical implications This study can help Kosovo health authorities to guide health system-wide improvements and health-care providers to remove quality shortfalls based on a culturally sensitive and validated multiple-item scale for the quality of their service. Originality/value This is the first research conducted to identify which of the service quality dimensions require attention by the health-care service providers in Kosovo and develop a validated tool for patient satisfaction measurement that can be used for commercial application.

Beyond embedded or not embedded: immigrant entrepreneurs’ embeddedness levels

Purpose This paper aims to review the immigrant entrepreneurship literature to locate how researchers consider embeddedness to home and host countries beyond the “embedded” or “not” dichotomy. Design/methodology/approach The paper conducts a systematic literature review. The authors found 106 articles in the Scopus and Web of Science databases, using a structured search and selection protocol. Findings Few articles perceive embeddedness openly as a gradual phenomenon. However, articles in the review use different approaches for considering relative levels of embeddedness, such as depth of social ties. In addition, some articles take a dual perspective or make multi-contextual comparisons to acknowledge immigrant entrepreneurs’ embeddedness levels. These articles emphasise embeddedness as a gradual phenomenon to understand the complexity of immigrant entrepreneurs’ contextualisation better. Based on the review, the paper develops a model, considering embeddedness as an emergent result of the immigrants’ engagement with spaces, networks, markets and institutions of a given home or host context. It also accounts for the dynamic interaction between contextual factors as embeddedness levels change. Research limitations/implications The paper has located all relevant papers in the used databases. However, the systematic review protocol naturally limits its scope. Nevertheless, the developed model based on the review helps researchers develop a more comprehensive understanding of embeddedness and possibly ask novel questions. Social implications This paper can help policymakers improve their policies for the progressive social integration of immigrants, as it helps consider different embeddedness levels. Originality/value Researchers mainly consider individuals’ embeddedness as either “embedded” or “not.” However, we can also understand embeddedness at various levels, e.g. partial, increasing/decreasing and gradual. Significant changes occur in the embeddedness of individuals during immigration. Additionally, contextual relations intertwine immigrants’ entrepreneurial activity over time. The paper reviews embeddedness in the immigrant entrepreneurship literature, searching beyond the dichotomic use of embeddedness. Then, it develops a theoretical understanding of embeddedness levels.

Iranian communities e-business challenges and value proposition design

Purpose This paper aims to identify and examine the internal and external factors that e-business communities in Iran grapple with within value proposition design. Design/methodology/approach Although the world and global economy have been vastly affected by the financial crisis and the competitive market, most businesses and trade lines are growing significantly by the power of online marketing and e-trades. However, this process is somehow different in the Iranian market. Using literature review and combining it with the casual-comparative method, this study first reviews the literature on the business model and value proposition design and then shows the main challenges Iranian entrepreneurs face in starting their e-business, especially at the time of severe economic, political sanction. Findings This paper attests to two categories of external and internal obstacles to entrepreneurs in the country. Some internal challenges point to obstacles and problems such as poor infrastructure in technology and network equipment, the security of personal data exchanges, improper infrastructure, including the speed of the internet and its bandwidth limit and lack of programming expertise. In the case of external barriers, this paper addresses the economic sanctions and restrictions that have been imposed on internet businesses. Originality/value In this study, the authors intend to identify the challenges of internet businesses in Iran and provide effective solutions for creating new value propositions resulting in rapid and sustainable economic growth.

Education and enterprising profile of young community: evidence from a transition country

Purpose This paper, in light of the theory of planned behavior, aims to analyze the factors that have an impact on entrepreneurial intentions among students in Kosovo. Design/methodology/approach A structured questionnaire is administered online for data collection, and the analysis is conducted using structural equation modeling. Findings The authors find that in the context of Kosovo, personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control significantly impact entrepreneurial intention among students. However, the entrepreneurial education survey respondents received was unrelated to entrepreneurial intention of students in Kosovo. Originality/value The authors contribute to the literature regarding the role of entrepreneurial education on entrepreneurial intention among students and graduates. In addition, the authors provide new evidence regarding the impact of personal attitudes, subjective norms and perceived behavioral control on entrepreneurial intention in the context of a transition economy. Finally, the authors offer recommendations to educational institutions and policymakers concerning the appropriate design of entrepreneurial education.

Digitalization and rural entrepreneurial attitude in Indonesia: a capability approach

Purpose This paper aims to identify how digitalization affects entrepreneurial attitudes in rural areas in Indonesia, a country in the Global South. The development of digital technology can help entrepreneurs, in that faster and easier information acquisition helps rural communities to identify new opportunities and innovate. Yet, digital development generates higher disparity, and thus, not all people can benefit from digitalization. Although digital technology can facilitate the development of entrepreneurship, its benefits depend on individual preferences. In this regard, the capability approach is used so as to reflect how different valuations of digital technology in rural entrepreneurs influence their attitude with regard to recognizing business opportunities and taking risks. Design/methodology/approach A double case study approach is used in which this study examines two cases of rural entrepreneurs in Indonesia that represent different uses of digital technologies and socio-economic rural contexts: coffee entrepreneurs in Kintamani and craft producers in Kamasan village. In so doing, semi-structured interviews were conducted with local entrepreneurs and communities according to purposive and snowball sampling techniques. The qualitative data were then analysed using a constant comparative technique which allows us to develop a conceptual argument by observing patterns within and between the cases. Findings The findings show that digitalization shapes the attitude of rural entrepreneurs differently, although the same opportunity from using digital technology is present in the village. Social and environmental factors facilitate the rural entrepreneurs to consider using digital technology to develop their businesses. However, as each individual entrepreneur has a different valuation of digital technology, the benefits it offers – such as broader market opportunities and new business ideas – vary. Entrepreneurs who consider digital technology to be a valuable resource for developing their businesses are more curious to explore its benefits. Originality/value The capability approach provides a new perspective in understanding rural entrepreneurship. First, the authors demonstrate that the success of rural entrepreneurship is influenced not only by concrete things (e.g. resources) but also the individual perspective on these resources which may vary across entrepreneurs. Second, the authors show not only the potential differences in socio-cultural contexts in which the capability approach is applied but also how socio-cultural values and collectivism influence the individual valuation of resources that could benefit entrepreneurs.

Entrepreneurial behavior of family firms in the Indian community: adoption of a technology platform as a moderator

Purpose This study aims to investigate the generalizability of Daniela Weismeier-Sammer’s (2011) replication study on entrepreneurial behavior and extended the model by considering the adoption of a technology platform as a moderator in the Indian family entrepreneurship community. Design/methodology/approach The earlier replication study was conducted in Austria, and this one has been conducted in India with 372 respondents of Indian family firms. The study has used the structural equation modeling technique for analysis purposes. The study has also used multi-group analysis for understanding the moderator impact. Findings Willingness to change, generational involvement, perceived technological opportunities and corporate entrepreneurship for the Indian family business community, along with strategic planning, as a moderating factor, formed the earlier model. In the context of strategic planning, this study observes a similarity, but due to the consideration of the additional moderator, the role of generational involvement has become insignificant. Research limitations/implications This study adds value to the overall body of literature on the family business community, digital entrepreneurship and technology adoption in the family business community. The study provides valuable inputs on the digital entrepreneurship and family business firms which could be used by entrepreneurs, policymakers and practitioners for different purposes. The sample size is small and India specific so the proposed model cannot be generalizable. Originality/value This study has used replication and validation techniques in the digital entrepreneurship community and new venture creation in the Indian context. Very few studies have explored the digital entrepreneurship phenomenon in the Indian family business community context. Also, the use of adoption of technology platform as a moderator enhances the model from the earlier study. Thus, this study is deemed to be a unique research study.

Collaborative spaces: at the intersection of design and management

Purpose Because of the differing perceptions held by each position or professional subculture, forming a collaborative and productive workplace with design and management teams can be challenging. In light of these anticipated obstacles to success in the workplace, this paper aims to ascertain the prospects for common undertakings within a business. Design/methodology/approach This paper reports on an analysis of a survey conducted among design and business students who had the opportunity to work together on a joint project and present their recommendations for an actual market-based organization. Findings Despite differences between the groups, there is a common understanding of organizational goals and willingness to undertake a joint effort to achieve them. This is accomplished through leveraging one another’s professional expertise, building trust through finishing the business projects and discovering tangible end results. Any evident differences between the groups seem to complement one another, thus creating common ground for effective collaboration. Research limitations/implications This is a study of a limited number of students enrolled in two universities in Spain. To ensure generalizability, research extended to more higher education institutions is needed. Practical implications The authors strongly believe that students are the future of business. As a result, understanding how they perceive any tension, integration or responsibilities of design and management helps with curriculum development two-fold: first, student perceptions help address any issues that can increase or hinder chances for efficient collaboration; second, student perceptions address the larger issue of design–management integration in business. Originality/value The authors studied a unique environment for collaboration beyond traditional organizational divisions and allowed study behaviors of students representing two professional backgrounds.

Understanding the ease of doing agribusiness in emerging Asian economies: evidence from world enterprises survey

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of agribusiness firms in India, China and Pakistan, as well as the challenges they face in doing business. Design/methodology/approach This study is based on the World Bank’s Enterprises Survey (WBES) data. The survey was carried out through a questionnaire survey from the owner and top managers of 716, 247 and 174 agribusiness from India, Pakistan and China, respectively. This enterprises survey has comprised the information regarding the wide range of firms’ characteristics and 16 parameters of business obstacles. Simple statistical tools such as chi-square and analysis of variance have been used to analyze the data. Findings Chi-square test shows the statistically significance difference in firms’ characteristics across agribusiness firms of India, China and Pakistan. Chinese firms are better in terms of having an international quality certification, own websites and getting credit. In Pakistan, access to land for agribusiness is an obstacle while for India and China, it is easy to acquire land for agribusiness purposes. In Pakistan, tax rate and political stability is a moderate obstacle while in India and China, it is a minor obstacle in agribusiness. Labor regulation does not perceive any considerable obstacle in doing business in India and Pakistan. Practical implications This study provides an understanding of differences in the agribusiness environment in emerging economies such as India, Pakistan and China based on WBES data. This study can be helpful for agribusiness managers and government policymakers for promoting agriculture-based entrepreneurship. Originality/value It is the first attempt to compare the profile of agribusiness firms in growing Asian economies such as India, Pakistan and China, as well as perceived business hurdles, using a comprehensive enterprises survey data of World Bank.