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What drives lead users to become users entrepreneurs ? an exploratory study of motivations

Author

Listed:
  • Linda Hamdi-Kidar

    (IAE - Institut d'Administration des Entreprises - Toulouse)

  • Cyrielle Vellera

    (CERAG - Centre d'études et de recherches appliquées à la gestion - UPMF - Université Pierre Mendès France - Grenoble 2 - CNRS - Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique)

Abstract

Regardless the type of industry, it has been shown that users, and more specifically lead users, are among the prime developers of truly novel solutions. Most stop before market launch of their innovation, but others go further and start their own firms. While an encouraging body of literature has proven the crucial role and the commercial interest of integrating lead users in the innovation process, little research has been done concerning motivations that drive these individuals to become firm-founders. In this article, we identify the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations that drive some lead users to switch from an innovator role to an entrepreneur role.

Suggested Citation

  • Linda Hamdi-Kidar & Cyrielle Vellera, 2012. "What drives lead users to become users entrepreneurs ? an exploratory study of motivations," Post-Print halshs-00851319, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:halshs-00851319
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://shs.hal.science/halshs-00851319
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Li Wang & Yuan Yang & Yishuai Li, 2021. "Extending lead-user theory to a virtual brand community: the roles of flow experience and trust," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 20(5), pages 618-643, November.

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    Keywords

    Lead users; User entrepreneurs; User Innovation;
    All these keywords.

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