Intellectual property and exit strategies among SMEs: A scoping review and framework

Abstract

While studies have focused on the role of intellectual property (IP) strategies for growth at the macro and micro levels, there remains a notable gap in comprehensively understanding the nexus between IP and exit strategies. This scoping review examines the link between firms' IP and exit strategies. It takes a particular interest in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), focusing on mergers and acquisitions. This study synthesizes the literature on the role that IP strategies play in smaller firms' exit strategies and the distinctive challenges they face, proposing a comprehensive framework for understanding these dynamics. It further highlights a persistent gap in the literature on the influence of IP awareness on SMEs' exit strategies. Using established data sources and multiple filter procedures, the search yielded 87 relevant articles. Only a few studies examine the roles of IP awareness and IP strategy within business strategies. Studies explicitly researching the influence of IP strategies on exit strategies remain particularly scarce. The findings underscore the importance of integrating IP awareness and IP strategy more thoroughly into management theory and practice to enhance SMEs’ competitive advantage and facilitate successful exits.