Technology entrepreneurship : a process framework

Scholars are in search of an integrated perspective to explain entrepreneurship in a coherent way. This study sets to contribute to this search with a process framework for understanding similar patterns of entrepreneurship actions over time in different settings. This research uses the multi-case study approach to observe the entrepreneurial process in 12 technology-based start-ups. The result is a framework of entrepreneurship as a social design process. This translates into a number of concrete insights. First, in addition to the widely accepted path of scanning to discover entrepreneurial idea, two complementary paths towards the initial ideas are added: sensing via experiencing and sensing via visioning. The initial input is vague, simple and incomplete idea, in comparison to detailed business plans. Second, upon identification of the initial idea, the entrepreneur engages in a deliberate conceptualization process to test, develop and evaluate the idea. Third, feedback not only makes the ideas explicit but also serves as the basis for the entrepreneurs’ confidence. Fourth, adaption actions sustain the entrepreneurship process. In conclusion, these findings characterize technology entrepreneurship as a process in which entrepreneurs proactively and iteratively engage in conceptualizing, implementing and adapting actions, until they reach the status of a viable configuration.