Title: The impact of autotelic and dynamic capabilities on the performance of knowledge-intensive, low-tech ventures

Authors: Glykeria Karagouni; Aimilia Protogerou; Yannis Caloghirou

Addresses: Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Heroon Polytechniou 9 str, Zografou Campus, Athens, 15780, Greece; Department of Wood and Furniture Design and Technology, Technological and Educational Institute of Larissa, V. Griva 11 Str., 43100 Karditsa, Greece ' Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Heroon Polytechniou 9 str, Zografou Campus, Athens, 15780, Greece ' Laboratory of Industrial and Energy Economics, National Technical University of Athens (NTUA), Heroon Polytechniou 9 str, Zografou Campus, Athens, 15780, Greece

Abstract: This article explores the impact of autotelic capabilities on the performance of knowledge-intensive low-tech ventures at start-up stage in terms of initial competitive advantage, survival, growth and innovativeness. It also examines the effect of dynamic capabilities on the performance of these newly-established firms and indicates links among the two types of capabilities. The paper provides evidence that the development of autotelic capabilities can play a significant role in the creation of new knowledge-intensive low-tech ventures. The dimensions of autotelic capabilities, bricolage, improvisational and transcendental capabilities create novel business concepts and establish successful ventures in saturated competitive arenas. Autotelic capabilities act as precursors of dynamic capabilities. The study indicates that low-tech companies that invest and build their strategy on knowledge intensiveness and innovation may develop relatively strong DCs to gain competitive advantage.

Keywords: autotelic capabilities; dynamic capabilities; entrepreneurial capabilities; knowledge intensive entrepreneurship; low-tech ventures; low technology; competitive advantage; new ventures; innovation; performance; start-ups.

DOI: 10.1504/IJIRD.2013.055249

International Journal of Innovation and Regional Development, 2013 Vol.5 No.2, pp.210 - 225

Received: 30 Nov 2012
Accepted: 02 Apr 2013
Published online: 02 Jul 2014 *

Full-text access for editors Full-text access for subscribers Purchase this article Comment on this article