Dynamics of digital entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem: A multilevel perspective
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 18 October 2019
Issue publication date: 4 February 2020
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to investigate the dynamics of digital entrepreneurship and the role of innovation ecosystem in its shaping by applying a multilevel perspective on the phenomenon.
Design/methodology/approach
An exploratory in-depth analysis of an IT company in Brazil is conducted using a quasi-mixed method design and three analytical techniques: pattern-matching, data exposure and social network analysis. The study is based on qualitative data, complemented by quantitative data. The case company is investigated within its time (historical development) and spatial (entire ecosystem) dimensions, providing an integrative approach to analysis.
Findings
The results revealed significant differences in a set of supporting innovation ecosystem’s actors and relationships throughout the development of the company from lower to higher levels of digitalization. The findings are discussed within a framework that links ecosystem’s actors at different layers with different levels of business digitalization.
Research limitations/implications
This research brings implications to SMEs in high-tech industries that are aiming to transform their business toward greater digitalization, and stresses the importance of strategic partners in innovation ecosystem in this process.
Originality/value
The novelty of this research is related to how external actors contribute to a company to adapt and create value, and how companies may exploit opportunities by configuring internal resources and external assets from strategic relationships. The study considers digital entrepreneurship in dynamics, distinguishes between different levels of digitalization and prescribes them different enablers and sets of relationships.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
Marcos Ferasso would like to thank CAPES Brazilian Funding Agency for the financial support through a scholarship, and Ali Ghods for his precious support with the R software. The authors would like to thank the two anonymous reviewers and the Editor for their insightful suggestions which improved the quality of this manuscript.
Citation
Beliaeva, T., Ferasso, M., Kraus, S. and Damke, E.J. (2020), "Dynamics of digital entrepreneurship and the innovation ecosystem: A multilevel perspective", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 26 No. 2, pp. 266-284. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-06-2019-0397
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited