Entrepreneurship in emerging high-tech industries: ICT entrepreneurs between experts and kamikazes
by Frank Robert, Pierre Marques, Frank Lasch, Frederic Le Roy
International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business (IJESB), Vol. 7, No. 3, 2009

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.

Online publication date: Sun, 08-Feb-2009

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