Tech Entrepreneurship Research Articles

Educators and students in entrepreneurship education are challenging the “think entrepreneur–think male” paradigm

PurposeThe paradigm “think entrepreneur–think male” continues to prevail in entrepreneurship education (EE). Aiming to explore how EE educators and EE students engage with this paradigm, this paper examines how students’ beliefs about entrepreneurship are shaped within the classroom.Design/methodology/approachThis study is based on a single case comprising 32 interviews with EE students and educators from a variety of higher education institutions in the Netherlands. Observations were conducted in a learning environment where undergraduate students from a range of EE minors (general, social and tech entrepreneurship) collaborated on projects under the guidance of entrepreneurship educators.FindingsOur findings reveal that gendered constructs are deeply embedded in EE, shaping perceptions of entrepreneurship. However, these constructs are changing and challenging the “think entrepreneur–think male”.Originality/valueThis study contributes to gender and entrepreneurship literature by challenging the existence of the prevailing paradigm “think entrepreneur–think male” in EE. We emphasise the importance of acknowledging individual entrepreneurial motivations while recognising gendered constructs in entrepreneurial support and resource access.

ChatGPT Took My Tech Entrepreneurship Exam. Here's What Happened.

ChatGPT Took My Tech Entrepreneurship Exam. Here's What Happened.

Accelerating Tech Entrepreneurship

Accelerating Tech Entrepreneurship

Masculinity in Scandinavian tech entrepreneurship: male technology entrepreneurs negotiating gender (in)equality

PurposeBoth entrepreneurship and technology are significantly gendered, and when combined in technology entrepreneurship, they make up a fundamentally masculine field. This article investigates men tech entrepreneurs' negotiations of gender and gender (in)equality. The purpose is to gain knowledge on masculinity in tech entrepreneurship and to explore what role this might play in any change towards more gender-equal entrepreneurship.Design/methodology/approachSemi-structured interviews were conducted with ten Swedish and Norwegian male tech entrepreneurs in tech incubators. The interviews dealt with gender (in)equality and masculinity in tech entrepreneurship. The data were coded in NVivo and inductively analysed using thematic analysis. We apply a social constructivist understanding of gender.FindingsWe categorise the male entrepreneurs' views of gender equality along “privileged”, “paradoxical” and “potential” articulations of gender (in)equality. Building on these articulations, we discuss the potential entrepreneurial men and masculinities could have for changing gender inequality in the Scandinavian tech entrepreneurship context. The findings are applicable to several entrepreneurial contexts.Originality/valueThe study contributes to further the theoretical understanding of tech entrepreneurship as a gendered phenomenon, its dynamics and its potential for change, particularly in promoting gender equality in tech entrepreneurship. Empirically, it investigates the perceptions about gender (in)equality and gender as negotiated concepts amongst male tech entrepreneurs.

Contextualising gender policy in tech entrepreneurship: a cross national and multiple-level analysis

PurposeIn order to address the gender divide in technology entrepreneurship, we explore how different national contexts impact policies and policy implementation. We investigate how transnational concerns (macro level) about women’s low participation in (technology) entrepreneurship are translated and implemented amongst actors at the meso level (technology incubators) and understood at the micro level (women tech entrepreneurs).Design/methodology/approachWe adopt gender institutionalism as a theoretical lens to understand what happens in the implementation of gender equality goals in technology entrepreneurship policy. We apply Gains and Lowndes’ (2014) conceptual framework to investigate the gendered character and effects of institutional formation. Four countries represent different levels of gender equality: high (Norway and Sweden), medium (Ireland) and low (Israel). An initial policy document analysis provides the macro level understanding (Heilbrunn et al., 2020). At the meso level, managers of technology business incubators (n = 3–5) in each country were interviewed. At the micro level, 10 female technology entrepreneurs in each country were interviewed. We use an inductive research approach, combined with thematic analysis.FindingsPolicies differ across the four countries, ranging from women-centred approaches to gender mainstreaming. Macro level policies are interpreted and implemented in different ways amongst actors at the meso level, who tend to act in line with given national policies. Actors at the micro level often understand gender equality in ways that reflect their national policies. However, women in all four countries share similar struggles with work-life balance and gendered expectations in relation to family responsibilities.Originality/valueThe contribution of our paper is to (1) entrepreneurship theory by applying gendered institutionalism theory to (tech) entrepreneurship, and (2) our findings clearly show that the gendered context matters for policy implementation.

Entrepreneurship Post-COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has catalyzed significant transformation within the realm of tech entrepreneurship, presenting a complex landscape characterized by both challenges and opportunities. This paper examines the multifaceted impacts of the pandemic on technology-driven entrepreneurial ventures, exploring how systemic disruptions have recalibrated market dynamics and innovation trajectories. Utilizing a mixed-methods research approach, which includes both quantitative analyses and qualitative insights, the study identifies critical challenges such as supply chain vulnerabilities, altered consumer behaviors, and heightened cybersecurity risks. Concurrently, it highlights burgeoning opportunities spurred by increased digital adoption, the rise of remote work technologies, and enhanced innovation incentives. The paper concludes by proposing strategic frameworks for navigating this new entrepreneurial landscape, providing valuable insights for policymakers, investors, and business leaders.

Developing Young Science and Technology Parks: Recent Findings from Industrial Nations Using the Data-Driven Approach

Science and technology parks (STPs) are curated locations where new technology-based firms (NTBFs) and other SMEs and firms can conglomerate and promote a culture of innovation. Overall, the aim is to construct a sustainable high-value tech entrepreneurship ecosystem, and to this end we present here some recent and novel concepts derived from approaches using a data-driven statistical foundation. This paper considers studies on the organic growth of young start-up science and technology parks by authors who have used big data, econometric analyses, panel data and computer simulations. The results and concepts are derived from industrialized countries, notably Sweden and the UK, and may well be applicable to many regions and emerging economies. The findings are of interest to regional development, technology entrepreneurs considering choosing an STP to inhabit, as well as those in STP central teams, specializing in management and enterprise development, including the sustainable growth of new parks.

Impact of technology on the success of tech based social entrepreneurs in Bengaluru city

Purpose - Through a comprehensive analysis of relevant literature, this study will examine the most significant factors—such as technology, skills, personality, and motivation—that impact the success of Social tech entrepreneurs Design/ Methodology/ Approach - With the growth of the local economy, Bangalore has seen a boom in tech-social entrepreneurship, which has recently become the most relevant topic in management studies. This article explored a few tech-related social entrepreneurs and used the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process to gauge their effectiveness (FAHP). The survey covers Bangalore-based tech-social entrepreneurs. 7 social tech entrepreneurs were chosen for the study. Findings - The findings of the study revealed that for successful social tech entrepreneurship, tech business environment, and Tech personality traits are essential and significant. Using their inventive mindset, technological expertise, commitment to change, and self-efficacy for innovation are all important factors in the success of tech social entrepreneurs. Personal qualities came in at number two, suggesting that a social tech entrepreneur’s outlook is influenced by his or her exposure to new technologies and ways of thinking. Originality Value - As the knowledge-based economy and information technology continue to develop and evolve, tech entrepreneurs are better equipped to learn and apply a wide range of technical abilities to a variety of contexts. This is mostly a result of their aptitude for handling and conquering a variety of technological advancements, creating discoveries and inventions, persuading people, and leading them. The traits of an entrepreneur have a big impact on how successful they are as an entrepreneur. The entrepreneur’s personality, leadership, managerial competence, communication skills, and external circumstances are critical in turning the business into a successful one, even if these factors are essential to developing effective companies. External aspects such as favorable conditions (i.e., the potentiality of markets and technological sophistication, etc.), high-caliber of entrepreneur/ entrepreneurial teams, and promotion policies to encourage social entrepreneurship are the factors that promote early business growth. The significance of each of the attributes contributing to social tech entrepreneurship is explored on an original basis using the FAHP technique.

Regional crowdfunding and high tech entrepreneurship

• Crowdfunding in entrepreneurial categories precedes an increase in high tech firm starts in a region • Crowdfunding in entrepreneurial categories precedes a decrease in low tech firm starts in a region • Crowdfunding is more likely in highly educated and urban regions • Despite the greater frequency of crowdfunding in highly educated and urban regions, the impact of a crowdfunding campaign on high tech firm starts is greater in poor regions Despite extensive though mostly independent literatures on Crowdfunding and regional entrepreneurship, there exists little work that examines how Crowdfunding influences the rate and type of new venture formation in a region, what types of regions are more likely to experience Crowdfunding activity, and what types of regions are more likely to experience additional firm starts following Crowdfunding activity. We argue that Crowdfunding increases high tech and high growth regional firm starts by increasing crucial early-stage funding, providing the opportunity to signal success and legitimacy, facilitating access to entrepreneurial human capital, supporting inexperienced entrepreneurs with education and advice, and providing inexpensive market feedback. Instrumental variable regressions illustrate how Kickstarter campaigns precede an increase in high technology and growth in Crunchbase listings and a weak decrease in more conventional and local business registrations. While more per capita crowdfunding occurs in large cities relative to smaller cities, college towns, and poor regions with weak human capital, the impact per campaign appears greater in the poorer regions.

In Search of Talent: Startup Policy in South Korea

Countries have long considered immigrant entrepreneurship and high-skilled immigration as crucial sources of economic growth and innovation. Still, little is known about what governments do to attract, support, and retain tech entrepreneurs with foreign backgrounds. This article examines startup programs in South Korea. It demonstrates how the demand for tech entrepreneurship is approached through a new set of policies, conceptualized in this study as (im)migrant startup programs. Through these policies, the South Korean government simultaneously supports immigrant residents with opportunities for entrepreneurship while facilitating the additional immigration of high-skilled entrepreneurs. (Im)migrant startup programs are characterized by intersecting elements of innovation, entrepreneurship, and immigration policies. This combination distinguishes the approach from previously observed skills-based visas, investment programs, and economic integration strategies. The findings are discussed with implications for the global competition for talent and the mobility of high-skilled entrepreneurs.

Women in tech entrepreneurship research - literature review

<p>In this era, women have become important players in the field of business and entrepreneurship. Technology provides opportunities for women to expand their social networks by creating new opportunities for businesses where entrepreneurial barriers can be overcome by adopting technology, particularly in developing countries. The more research and publication on women entrepreneurship with 24 journal selected from 68 journal available, this makes researchers feel the need to study to find out how and the extent of the development of women entrepreneurs in the field of technology. The data collection in this study was taken from Scopus web by entering the keywords that the author used to get the desired amount of publication and information. This study uses bibliometric analysis method conducted using co-authorship and co-citation analysis with the help of VOSviewer software. This study will also mention which developing countries have published and researched on this topic as well as the extent of relationships between authors in each existing journal.</p>

COVID-19 and beyond: Use of digital technology for pandemic response in Africa

The use of technology has been ubiquitous in efforts to combat the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In this perspective, we review technologies and new approaches developed at the start of the pandemic; efforts earmarked by a flexible approach to problem solving, local tech entrepreneurship, and swift adoption of technology. We performed a systematic review of the use of technology during the initial wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in most African countries. We identified relevant articles by searching for mentions of technology, COVID-19, and specific country names. Articles were included if they specifically mentioned the use of technology or novel innovations in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in an African country. The article search was conducted in August and included articles published between January and August 2020. We retrieved articles from journals, trusted news, government, and organization websites on Google, Google Scholar and PubMed. A total of 80 articles were retained and categorized under Disease Prevention (19 articles), Disease Surveillance (30 articles), and Clinical Supplies and Management (31 articles). African nations used technology and innovative techniques to manage patients, monitor cases and disseminate information to counter the spread of COVID-19. The nature and outcomes of these efforts sometimes differed in Africa compared to other regions of the world due to its unique challenges and opportunities.

Where Ecosystem Mindsets Come From: How Tech Entrepreneurs Envision Their Target Markets

Business ecosystems – systems of value creation that transcend conventional industry boundaries – are becoming increasingly important contexts of tech entrepreneurship. Yet, we lack an understanding of how tech entrepreneurs develop an understanding of nascent ecosystems for new products. Based on a multi-case study of Boston-based tech entrepreneurs, this study finds that entrepreneurs build an ecosystem mindset incrementally by shifting from targeting alternative primary clients, based on an industry mindset, to envisioning inter-connected clients across industries exploiting complementarities between multiple product uses. Findings contribute to micro-foundations of ecosystem strategizing and a better understanding of opportunity generation and entrepreneurial learning.

An Analysis of Similarities and Dissimilarities Among Categories of Deep Tech Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Turkey

An Analysis of Similarities and Dissimilarities Among Categories of Deep Tech Entrepreneurship: Evidence from Turkey

Does Funding Source Matter for University R&D? The Effect of Government vs. Industry Grants

U.S. universities have experienced a shift in research funding away from federal and towards private industry sources. This paper evaluates whether the source of funding – federal or private industry – is relevant for commercialization of research outputs. We link person-level grant data from 22 universities to patent and career outcomes (including IRS W-2 records). To identify a causal effect, we exploit individual-level variation in exposure to narrow federal R&D programs stemming from pre-existing field specialization. We instrument for the researcher’s funding sources with aggregate supply shocks to federal funding within these narrow fields. The results show that a higher share of federal funding reduces patenting and the chances of joining an incumbent firm, while increasing the chances of high- tech entrepreneurship and of remaining employed in academia. A decline in the federal share of funding is offset by an increase in the private share of funding, which has opposite effects. We conclude that the incentives of private funders to appropriate research outputs have important implications for the trajectory of university researcher careers and intellectual property. Institutional subscribers to the NBER working paper series, and residents of developing countries may download this paper without additional charge at www.nber.org.

Can Audits Deter Performance Exaggeration?

Exaggeration of performance metrics (revenue, product efficacy, ad viewership, etc.) by entrepreneurs to investors and clients is a common problem in high tech entrepreneurship. We model this as a principal-agent problem in a contract-theoretic setting, where the entrepreneur (agent) can undertake costly actions to strategically lie about a key performance metric (agent type) in order to extract higher payment from the investor (principal). We demonstrate that the optimal contract features widespread exaggeration by all entrepreneur types, and the investor exploits it as a screening mechanism to ordinally rank the entrepreneur by his true underlying type. We study the effect of an audit in which, if caught cheating, the agent pays a penalty. We show that rather than deterring fraud, audits actually amplify the degree of exaggeration.

The Color of Money: Federal vs. Industry Funding of University Research

U.S. universities have experienced a shift in research funding away from federal and towards private industry sources. This paper evaluates whether the source of funding – federal or private industry – is relevant for commercialization of research outputs. We link person-level grant data from 22 universities to patent and career outcomes (including IRS W-2 records). To identify a causal effect, we exploit individual-level variation in exposure to narrow federal R&D programs stemming from pre-existing field specialization. We instrument for the researcher’s funding sources with aggregate supply shocks to federal funding within these narrow fields. The results show that a higher share of federal funding reduces patenting and the chances of joining an incumbent firm, while increasing the chances of high- tech entrepreneurship and of remaining employed in academia. A decline in the federal share of funding is offset by an increase in the private share of funding, which has opposite effects. We conclude that the incentives of private funders to appropriate research outputs have important implications for the trajectory of university researcher careers and intellectual property.

Adoption of Advanced Technologies are the Driving Force in Re-Shaping the Technology Based Startup Eco System

The main purpose of this study is to explore the role of advanced technologies in re-shaping the startup ecosystem, after all the startups are bringing in the second wave of tech entrepreneurship, which is normally called as “Digital Entrepreneurship”. In the initial years, it was commonly observed that the founders of small enterprises replicate successful American business models and adapt them to the Indian environment. Today, companies are looking at the bigger picture. A whole new breed of startups is emerging which is prepared to solve India's problems through the integration of advanced technologies and innovations. Technology, backed by the internet, is on a path to transform not just our businesses, but also our lives. This study is going to explore various aspects of the technology based startup ecosystem and the enablers. The paper also discusses measures taken by governmental agencies like NITI Aayog to support the promotion of new-age technologies and their integration with the startup ecosystem. The literature, propositions and discussions also intended to provide a bridge between cutting-edge technologies and startup ecosystem. This study also suggests that success cannot be achieved without adopting new and advanced technologies which are the key pillars supporting this evolution. Innovation is the key catalyst for growth and technologies in providing business solutions as technology is evolving at a rapid pace. Continuous innovation is the key factor for any business as “Innovate or Die’’ is becoming the new buzzword Globally.

Profiles in Tech Entrepreneurship: Dr. Yael Schwartz

Our series of profiles about entrepreneurs in IEEE Engineering Management Review features movers and shakers in the technology industries. Entrepreneurship requires leaders who are innovative, proactive, and risk-takers – people who embrace the technology as well as the business of start-ups. In these articles, we provide a look at the innovative thought processes and practices of these entrepreneurs – what got them where they are today. We also share lessons learned as the entrepreneurs created and grew their ventures. Many of these entrepreneurs will be attending Technology and Engineering Management Society events over the next couple years. Take the opportunity to meet them as you can, especially if you are thinking about launching your own new venture. Our featured entrepreneur for this article is Yael Schwartz.

Profiles in Tech Entrepreneurship: Ellen Christopherson

We continue the IEEE Engineering Management Review Technology Manager's Notebook series of tech entrepreneur profiles, the movers and shakers in technology industries. Entrepreneurship requires change agents, leaders who are innovative, proactive, and risk-takers. Entrepreneurship often requires technology and engineering insights. In these articles, we provide a look at the innovative thought processes and practices of these entrepreneurs—what got them where they are today. We also tap into their experiences in order to share lessons learned with the broader community. Many of these entrepreneurs will be attending Technology and Engineering Management Society events over the next couple years. Take the opportunity to meet them as you can, especially if you are thinking about launching your own new venture. Our featured entrepreneur for this article is Ellen Christopherson.