Effectuation and causation in science-based new venture creation: A configurational approach

Abstract

Science-based entrepreneurship plays a central role in 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 antecedent factors 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 nonscience-based founders. We contribute to entrepreneurship literature, as well as to effectuation and causation literatures, by looking at the antecedent factors characterizing the approach, followed by an examination of the specific types of entrepreneurs in the establishment of successful ventures.