Entrepreneurial practices of collaboration comprising constellations

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.

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