Entrepreneurship in emerging high-tech industries: ICT entrepreneurs between experts and kamikazes

Frank Robert, Pierre Marques, Frank Lasch and Frederic Le Roy

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2009, vol. 7, issue 3, 258-283

Abstract: This study addresses a paradox: stakeholders agree upon the strategic importance of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) entrepreneurship, but little research provides empirical results to understand the ICT sector/entrepreneur. Analysing 469 entrepreneurs, the following specificities of ICT entrepreneurship in France were revealed: subsector differences, regional disparities, underrepresentation of female entrepreneurs, high qualification as prerequirement, insufficient preparation activities, a low level of entrepreneurship training and a surprisingly high proportion of necessity entrepreneurship. At the subsector level, four groups of entrepreneurs were identified: experienced cadre, 'freshman', well-prepared 'provident' and 'kamikaze'. The 'expert' with industry experience contrasts with the inexperienced 'freshman'. The careful preparer ('provident') displays a more technical profile, little management experience but the highest level of preparation of all four types. The opposite is the kamikaze: lack of specific knowledge, low educational level and little preparation. Implications for stakeholders (entrepreneurship support, venture capital) are suggested to assess and adjust measures for each type of entrepreneur.

Keywords: high tech industries; information technology; communication technology; ICT; entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial types; entrepreneurs; typology; France; entrepreneurship support; venture capital; high technology. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2009
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ids:ijesbu:v:7:y:2009:i:3:p:258-283

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