Effectuation and Causation in Science-based New Venture Creation: A Configurational Approach

Abstract

Science-based entrepreneurship plays a central role for economic and technological development. The existing literature shows that the process of new venture creation differs between science-based and traditional ventures. Building on effectuation and causation literatures, we aim to explore the antecedents and specificities of the approach that science-based entrepreneurs follow in new venture creation. Using data from PSED II and a QCA approach, we identify two configurations of antecedent factors relevant for science-based founders to successfully launch their ventures and two for non science-based founders. We contribute to effectuation and causation literatures by looking at the approach followed by a specific type of entrepreneurs in the establishment of successful ventures.