Technology entrepreneurship: an exploratory study

Abstract

Technology entrepreneurship refers to the use of technology to create and explore business opportunities in order to generate value, based on entrepreneurship and technology that may generate innovation. Based on this definition, CNPq indicated the need to understand technology-based firms, since they may be a solution to the national economic crisis. Thus, this master dissertation aimed to explore the technology entrepreneurial process in SIMPLÁS companies. Therefore, the literature review comprehended entrepreneurship, innovation, technology entrepreneurship as well as their processes. The research method was of applied nature, qualitative approach and exploratory objective, with in-depth interviews conducted based on a semi structured questionnaire. Finally, interviews were analyzed by content analysis, what resulted in three process models, which were arranged according to routines and technology entrepreneurial process maturity. Findings show that the technology entrepreneurial process in embryonic companies has risk and uncertainty as constant threats, what may force companies to stop the process, even though they are aware of the importance of pursuing technological opportunities. On the other hand, technology-based companies are constantly concerned in pursuing new opportunities, even though they may not always have infrastructure and procedures required. Finally, mature companies have defined routines to pursue technological opportunities, which result in product and process innovation, thus, they are considered pioneers in their markets. Nevertheless, the company’s strategy determines the need to prospect and pursue technological opportunities regardless of their technology entrepreneurial process maturity level