Networks in Entrepreneurship: The Case of High-technology Firms

The value of networks as integral part of the explanation of entrepreneurial success is widely acknowledged. However, the network perspective lacks specification of the various dimensions of a network and their impact on the early development of a venture. We make a distinction between a Schumpeterian start-up pursuing a radical innovation and a Kirznerian venture on basis of an incremental innovation. This distinction is introduced as a contingency in the way networks contribute to the ability of the entrepreneur to discover opportunities, to get resources, and to gain legitimacy. In this explorative study three cases on high technology firms in The Netherlands provide empirical material to develop a number of propositions on the network effect on the survival or performance of start-ups. 5001-6182 Business 5546-5548.6 Office Organization and Management Library of Congress Classification (LCC) HD 62.5 New business enterprises. Starting a new business, Entrepreneurship M Business Administration and Business Economics L 20 Firm Objectives, Organization and Behavior: generaL Journal of Economic Literature (JEL) M 13 Entrepreneurship 85 A Business General 270 A 100 G Strategic Management Organizational Growth European Business Schools Library Group (EBSLG) 85 B Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship Gemeenschappelijke Onderwerpsontsluiting (GOO) 85.00 Bedrijfskunde, Organisatiekunde: algemeen 85.10 Strategisch beleid Classification GOO 85.00 83.82 Bedrijfskunde, organisatiekunde: algemeen Middenen Kleinbedrijf Bedrijfskunde / Bedrijfseconomie Strategisch management, organisatievernieuwing