Title: The innovation process of entrepreneurial teams in dynamic business plan competition: from sense-making perspective

Authors: Chao-Tung Wen, Yi-Wen Chen

Addresses: Graduate Institute of Technology and Innovation Management, National Cheng-Chi University, 64, Chin-Nab Rd, Sec.2, Wehshan 116, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC. ' Graduate Institute of Technology and Innovation Management, National Cheng-Chi University, 64, Chin-Nab Rd, Sec.2, Wehshan 116, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC

Abstract: Business plan competition held by universities and famous companies has become a phenomenon during the last decade in Taiwan. Students gain valuable experiences such as team-building, creative products development as well as the capabilities to tackle tremendous uncertainties from the environment. This study uses narrative approach to investigate the innovation process of entrepreneurial teams in dynamic business plan competition of their sense-making process. Three venture teams – SimReal Company, Genie Biotech and Gene Vision – of the third and the fourth Technology Innovation Competition (TIC100) in Taiwan were studied. Results indicate that sense-making activity is served as a critical process for team. It helps team to go through confused to comprehensive stage and to reach to a consensus that finally results in team|s collective wisdom and creativity.

Keywords: team building; creative product development; uncertainty; sense-making theory; entrepreneurial teams; sense-making activities; collective wisdom; creativity; technology innovation competition; entrepreneurship; business plans; Taiwan; teamwork.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTM.2007.013505

International Journal of Technology Management, 2007 Vol.39 No.3/4, pp.346 - 363

Published online: 02 May 2007 *

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