Entrepreneurial practices of collaboration comprising constellations
International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research
ISSN: 1355-2554
Article publication date: 2 May 2020
Issue publication date: 19 March 2021
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore empirically and theoretically collaborations, which small entrepreneurial firms establish with other firms, stemming from innovation processes within the original firm.
Design/methodology/approach
The article advances “entrepreneurship as practice” (EaP) using practice theory, employing specifically the concept of constellations. Three specific constellations emerge, each characterized by particular practices, purposes and outcomes. The empirical material stems from a collective case study of 32 entrepreneurial firms regarding 40 innovation projects.
Findings
The findings suggest that innovation practices in entrepreneurial firms stimulate new collaborations forming specific constellations, which in turn lead to learning and further innovation.
Research limitations/implications
The theoretical framework developed extends EaP and practice theory by casting light on how constellations are, their forms, shapes and outcomes. The findings extend existing research on collaboration for innovation and contribute to practice theory by modeling different constellations and their structures.
Practical implications
The practical implications of the findings for entrepreneurial firms arise from understandings of how different constellations may influence further learning and innovation.
Originality/value
The originality of the study is the identification and exposition of distinctive constellations of collaboration stemming from entrepreneurial innovation. This study exposes that innovation is differently open, whether the collaboration is interdependent, incorporated into the collaboration or independent from the other collaborative partners, with implications for learning and for innovation outcomes. The findings give insight into the enabling and limiting factors of each constellation, factors which may facilitate or hinder learning and innovation.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research was funded by the Research Council of Norway and Rogaland County, Norway through the Programme for Regional R&D and Innovation: VRI.This paper forms part of a special section “Entrepreneurship as Practice”, guest edited by Bruce Teague, Richard Tunstall, Claire Champenois and William B. Gartner.
Citation
Hydle, K.M. and Billington, M.G. (2021), "Entrepreneurial practices of collaboration comprising constellations", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 27 No. 3, pp. 668-687. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-10-2018-0646
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2020, Emerald Publishing Limited