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Technical entrepreneurship, experience and the management of small technology--based firms --exploratory evidence from the UK

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  • Dylan Jones-Evans

Abstract

The effect of previous occupational background of the technical entrepreneur has been recognized as being highly influential on the management of a small technology--based firm. However, while the high technical expertise of such individuals is seen as being relevant to the future success of a technological organization, considerable doubt has been cast on whether technical entrepreneurs have the necessary management skills required to manage a successful business. In fact, lack of management expertise may lead to problems as the organization grows, leading to considerable leadership crises at important stages of development. Utilizing a typology based on previous organizational background, this paper presents the results of an exploratory qualitative study of 38 technical entrepreneurs in the UK, concentrating on an examination of the effect of previous management experience on the functions undertaken by the technical entrepreneur within a small technology--based firm. The study found that, in general, entrepreneurs assume responsibility for functions in which they had previous experience. However, unlike other studies of entrepreneurship, there is very little reluctance by these individuals to delegate responsibilities for management roles of which they have very little prior knowledge or experience.

Suggested Citation

  • Dylan Jones-Evans, 1997. "Technical entrepreneurship, experience and the management of small technology--based firms --exploratory evidence from the UK," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 9(1), pages 65-90, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:entreg:v:9:y:1997:i:1:p:65-90
    DOI: 10.1080/08985629700000004
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Utterback, James M. & Meyer, Marc & Roberts, Edward & Reitberger, Goren, 1988. "Technology and industrial innovation in Sweden: A study of technology-based firms formed between 1965 and 1980," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 17(1), pages 15-26, February.
    2. Cooper, Arnold C. & Bruno, Albert V., 1977. "Success among high-technology firms," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 20(2), pages 16-22, April.
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    Cited by:

    1. Makra, Zsolt, 2009. "A technológiai vállalkozások létrejötte, növekedése és gazdasági szerepe a szakirodalom tükrében [The establishment, growth and economic role of technology firms in the light of the specialist lite," Közgazdasági Szemle (Economic Review - monthly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences), Közgazdasági Szemle Alapítvány (Economic Review Foundation), vol. 0(2), pages 176-186.
    2. Anna Bergek & Charlotte Norrman, 2015. "Integrating the supply and demand sides of public support to new technology-based firms," Science and Public Policy, Oxford University Press, vol. 42(4), pages 514-529.
    3. Todd Davey & Sue Rossano & Peter Sijde, 2016. "Does context matter in academic entrepreneurship? The role of barriers and drivers in the regional and national context," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 41(6), pages 1457-1482, December.

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