Ο ρόλος της καινοτομίας και της τεχνολογίας στην ανταγωνιστικότητα των νεοσύστατων επιχειρήσεων
The role of innovation and technology in competitiveness of start-ups
View/ Open
Abstract
This thesis aims to explore the role and impact of innovation and technology in the competitive performance of start-ups. The reason why I explore these issues is due to the fact that innovation is considered to be the dominant factor affecting the success of any new business venture. According to the report of the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) only innovative entrepreneurship can ensure the establishment and development of new businesses. According to the Commission of European Communities (2004), "Entrepreneurship is a major driver of innovation, competitiveness and growth," while for Porter, «Innovation is the way in which a company earns and retains a competitive advantage." (Porter, 1990). The first chapter clarifies the terms that are relevant to the issue of innovation and describes the forms of it. Moreover analyses the contribution of innovation in the competitiveness of start-ups based on the annual survey of the GEM for the year 2012 and the Summary Innovation Index. In the second chapter is examined the contribution of new technologies to increase start ups competitiveness and overviews the global ICT market in 2013 to assess the context in which entrepreneurship emerges new stages. In the third chapter is conducted qualitative research to examine the role of technology and innovation in the competitiveness of start-ups. This question is explored by the case study method, through four << case studies >> of four newly established Greek businesses. The final chapter presents the conclusions and the policy recommendations concerning the issue.