International Journal of Technoentrepreneurship (9 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Exploring the Role of Innovation Ecosystem Actors in Shaping New Product Development and Firm Innovation Performance  
  by Herolinda Murati-Leka, Veland Ramadani 
  Abstract: Contemporary research in the field of innovation and sustainable development is being conducted to analyse and design different forms of organisation of economic actors that enable and facilitate innovation. The focus of this paper is on finding the symbiotic and reciprocal relationships among the actors and their impact, respectively, doing further in-depth research about the impact of the Innovation Ecosystem in the information and communication technologies (ICT) sector in Kosovo. The scientific contribution of this study lies in expanding the number of actors of the innovation ecosystem that have been studied by other authors and their correlation with the firm innovation performance. Furthermore, the heptagonal cooperation-influence model of innovation ecosystem actors on a firms innovation and new product development designed by the authors of this paper will serve as a tool for measuring the impact of each innovation ecosystem actor on the firms innovative performance.
  Keywords: Innovation Ecosystem; ICT; Firm Performance; Firm Innovation; Heptagon Model.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2024.10068861
   
  
• Triple Effect of Social Commerce Attributes, Support and Relationship  
  by V. Vinayagalakshmi, Thangaraja Arumugam 
  Abstract: Recent social commerce research has focused on how social media attributes affect purchase intention, rather than how social media users create supportive relationships. We examine how social media qualities affect users affective moods after a supportive brand page relationship. Two competing hypotheses based on social cognitive theory (SCT) and the theory of planned behaviour are evaluated to see if social commerce qualities in social media might boost. Purposeful sampling used survey questionnaires. Instagrammers gave 324 valid responses. A structural equation model reveals that social commerce attribute endorsement significantly contributes. Social commerce qualities greatly impact relationship quality, social support, and social shopping intention. Social support influences quality and intention, while relationship quality increases buying intention. The authors illustrate that social commerce improves user behaviour and supporting relationships by combining the two notions. Social commerce characteristics and social shopping intention (SHOP) were likely mediated by social support and connection quality. Effective social media use promotes user engagement and encourages social media shopping, a critical managerial outcome.
  Keywords: Social Commerce; Social Support; Relationship Quality; Shopping Intention; Interactivity and Recommendation; Purchase Decision; Social Shopping Intention (SHOP).
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2024.10068862
   
  
• Examining University teachers' Attitudes towards the use of Gamification in Entrepreneurship Education  
  by Diana Seguí-Mas, Elies Seguí-Mas, Esther Villajos, José Martí-Parreño 
  Abstract: Universities increasingly integrate entrepreneurial skills into education, with gamification emerging as a key method. This study uses quantitative methods to explore 95 instructors perceptions of gamification. Results show perceived usefulness as the strongest predictor of positive attitudes, outweighing perceived ease of use. Demographics like age and gender, and the learning climate, have no significant impact. Findings highlight the need for teacher training focusing on gamifications practical benefits rather than technical skills. This study contributes to entrepreneurship education by emphasising educators roles in adopting gamification, offering valuable insights into fostering innovative teaching methods.
  Keywords: Entrepreneurship; gamification; Attitude; TAM.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2024.10068900
   
  
• The Effect of Customer Relationship Management and Business Model Innovation on Startup Sustainability: Indonesia Evidence  
  by LiemVanessa Fortunella Arnetha Dewi, Monica Palupi Murniati, Ranto Partomuan Sihombing 
  Abstract: Indonesia has significant potential for startup growth, yet the failure rate of startups in the country remains high. Most startups in Indonesia fail because their products do not meet market needs and they lack robust business models. This research aims to explore the impact of Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and business model innovation on startup sustainability, an area that has not been extensively studied. The study employs a survey method, distributing questionnaires to 150 startup owners or managers in Semarang. The findings reveal a positive correlation between CRM and business model innovation on startup sustainability. This research assists startup owners and managers in identifying key factors that contribute to the success and longevity of their ventures. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights for policymakers in Indonesia to support startup companies by enhancing their CRM practices and innovating business models to tackle sustainability challenges.
  Keywords: Business model innovation; customer relationship management; startup sustainability; Indonesia.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2025.10069136
   
  
• AInnovation, Risk-Taking, and Employee Commitment: Exploring CSR's Influence in Tunisian SMEs  
  by Fitouri Mohamed 
  Abstract: This study examines strategies to enhance employee creativity and commitment in Tunisian small and medium enterprises (SMEs), emphasising corporate social responsibility (CSR) and intrapreneurial behaviours, including innovation, proactivity, and risk-taking. Using structural equation modelling (SEM) and artificial neural networks (ANN), survey data reveal significant insights, including differences based on marital status. Unmarried employees exhibit stronger alignment with CSR principles compared to married colleagues. The research develops a model linking CSR initiatives to employee outcomes, such as organisational commitment, engagement, and creative performance. Findings indicate that fostering a culture of innovation and integrating CSR practices significantly boosts employee loyalty and creativity. Employees perceiving their organisations as socially responsible and innovation-driven demonstrate higher dedication and engagement. This study contributes to resource-based and commitment theories while providing practical recommendations for SME managers to enhance employee performance through CSR-driven strategies and intrapreneurial support mechanisms.
  Keywords: creativity; innovation; proactivity; risk-taking; ; Tunisian SMEs.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2024.10069275
   
  
• The Impact of ICT Adoption on Startup Growth: Exploring Performance, Education, and Sectoral Dynamics in an Emerging Economy  
  by Yllka Potera Avdiu, Lekë Pula, Veland Ramadani 
  Abstract: This paper examines the impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) on the growth of start-ups within Kosovo's digitalisation ecosystem. Amid global digital transformation, understanding how ICT adoption influences startup performance and competitiveness is vital for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and stakeholders. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative and qualitative research. Data was collected via an online self-administered questionnaire targeting 80 start-up owners in Prishtina. The study explored various ICT applications, including digital marketing, internet presence, and communication tools, alongside demographic and educational factors. Findings reveal that ICT adoption significantly enhances startup growth and competitiveness. Startups leveraging ICT for operations, marketing, and communication demonstrated improved efficiency, increased revenue, and expanded market reach. The results highlight the importance of enhancing ICT infrastructure, developing targeted educational programs, and implementing supportive policies to strengthen the startup ecosystem.
  Keywords: ICT; Startups; Digitalization; Ecosystem; Performance; Growth; Entrepreneurship; Competitiveness; Kosovo.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2025.10069449
   
  
• Global Entrepreneurship from the South: Developing Born Global Companies in Emerging Economies  
  by Jose Luis Garces Bautista, Maria Luna, Sofía Estelles-Miguel, Marta Peris Ortiz 
  Abstract: Born global (BG) companies represent an innovative strategic approach for entrepreneurs who aspire to have a presence in international markets from the very conception of their business. There is no known guide for new Latin American entrepreneurs that allows BGs to be designed for the disruption and adoption of a cross-border perspective. This study develops and empirically validates a methodology for the creation of BG-type companies. The first part includes a review of the literature, the source of the proposed structured model, and the second part validates the model through a focus group. The results include the identification of global opportunities (IGO), the global mentality, the internationalisation strategy and the measurement and evaluation included in the phases of the model. This model is a comprehensive guide that promotes efficient management as a reference framework for strategic decision-making, sustainable development and competitiveness in todays business environment. The model is presented as a contribution to the literature and the practice of entrepreneurship, being a tool that can be adapted and validated by those entrepreneurs who seek to be born with operations at the global level.
  Keywords: born global; model; entrepreneurship; focus group; internationalization.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2025.10069625
   
  
• Entrepreneurial Intention in a Creative City of Design from Brazil  
  by Rodrigo Ábnner Menezes, Vanessa P. Pinheiro, Ana S. R. Ipiranga, Christian Makaya 
  Abstract: There is a scarcity of studies specifically focused on the creative economy in less developed countries. So, the aim of this study is to identify how the entrepreneurship intention is fostered by the education factor on Sewing the Future Project, a program related to UNESCO Fortaleza Creative City of Design. The research was conducted in Fortaleza, Brazil, through a case study upon Sewing the Future project. The data collection was through two in-depth interviews with a project manager and coordinator, along with two focus groups: one with 8 creative women entrepreneurs, and document analysis. The analysis was carried out with coding procedures of the Grounded Theory. The findings indicate that entrepreneurial intention is fostered by educational programs offered by the project, particularly through skill development and management training. However, the results highlight that education must be combined with other supporting factors, such as infrastructure and financial incentives.
  Keywords: creative economy; entrepreneurial education; entrepreneurial intention; creative city; UNESCO.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2025.10069856
   
  
• Impact of Flexible Work Arrangements on Employee Retention: the Mediating Role of Digital Leadership  
  by Smitha Abraham, Vijayarani S 
  Abstract: Digital leadership mediates the effect of Flexible Work Arrangements (FWAs) on employee retention in modern companies. FWAs are essential to job satisfaction and talent retention as remote work, flexible hours, and hybrid models grow more common. Digital leadership is essential to managing virtual teams, guaranteeing good communication, and encouraging technology to transcend physical distance. Digital leadership promotes innovation by encouraging teamwork, digital tool usage, and a flexible culture. To determine how FWAs directly and indirectly affect retention, this study examines the relationships between key organisational variables, digital leadership, digital culture, organisational learning, innovation, and employee performance using secondary research and SEM. The data show that FWAs can improve retention, but only with strong digital leadership. Proactive digital transformation leaders boost employee engagement, performance, and learning and creativity. Innovation enhances the impact of digital leadership on retention by encouraging creativity and adaptability among employees, according to the research. This study emphasises the necessity for innovative, tech-savvy leadership to preserve a competitive edge and an engaged staff when implementing FWAs.
  Keywords: Flexible Work Arrangements; Employee Retention; Digital Leadership; Innovation And Organizational Learning; Job Satisfaction; Online Economy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJTE.2025.10070271