Title: High digital growth: essential capabilities and the research agenda

Authors: André Luiz Tavares Damasceno; Cristiano Morini; Edmundo Inácio Junior

Addresses: Faculty of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Pedro Zaccaria, 1300, Limeira – SP, 13484-350, Brazil ' Faculty of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Pedro Zaccaria, 1300, Limeira – SP, 13484-350, Brazil ' Faculty of Applied Sciences, State University of Campinas (UNICAMP), R. Pedro Zaccaria, 1300, Limeira – SP, 13484-350, Brazil

Abstract: High-growth companies are pivotal in driving economic development. This study delves into the essential capabilities required for robust digital growth. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken to assess the current state of this field, culminating in a summary table outlining the core capabilities identified. This table contributes to the field and provides a research agenda for high-growth digital businesses. The findings suggest that companies must cultivate these capabilities to navigate the challenges at each growth stage, adapting to each new level of maturity and scale. We have pinpointed 28 core capabilities within a unique framework, considering the stage (startup, growth, or expansion) and resources (strategy, fundraising, governance and management, innovation, and human capital). Given the evolving and progressive nature of capabilities, digital entrepreneurship promotion should consider the specificities and challenges of each stage. Additionally, we have proposed four new research questions to guide future studies in high-growth entrepreneurship.

Keywords: entrepreneurship; digital business; high growth; systematic literature review; startup; essential capabilities; critical success factors; unicorns; gazelles; dragons.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2023.136398

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2023 Vol.27 No.5/6, pp.330 - 359

Received: 29 Nov 2022
Accepted: 06 Sep 2023
Published online: 31 Jan 2024 *

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