Title: The nature and dimensions of autotelic capabilities in knowledge-intensive low-tech ventures: an introduction

Authors: Glykeria Karagouni; Yannis Caloghirou

Addresses: Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Heroon Polytechniou 9, 15780 Zografou, Greece ' Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics, School of Chemical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Zografou Campus, Heroon Polytechniou 9, 15780 Zografou, Greece

Abstract: The autotelic capabilities framework based on a multiple-case exploratory research is a first endeavour to describe the nature and dimensions of the entrepreneurial capabilities, necessary for new low-tech but knowledge-intensive ventures to create strong and knowledge-based competitive advantages, in order to survive early death and prosper in an open economy. The dimensions of autotelic capabilities, bricolage, improvisational and transcendental capabilities, influence the location, selection and the ways of selection of resources and skills and use a priori knowledge in order to capture existing knowledge from various domains. They are strategic higher-order capabilities since they enable the shaping of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The framework advanced can add to the understanding of core issues of the emerging stage of low-tech ventures and the creation of initial competitive advantage, while assisting entrepreneurs/managers select priorities and make relevant strategic decisions.

Keywords: new ventures; low-tech entrepreneurship; knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship; KIE; competitive advantage; autotelic capabilities; bricolage; improvisation; strategic management; resources; transcendental capabilities; corporate ventures.

DOI: 10.1504/WREMSD.2013.052361

World Review of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development, 2013 Vol.9 No.2, pp.230 - 245

Published online: 30 Jan 2014 *

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