Title: Exploring innovation in startups: effectuation rethought through the prism of the gift logic

Authors: Virginie Gallego-Roquelaure; Ludivine Adla

Addresses: iaelyon School of Management, Magellan, UJML3, 69000 Lyon, France ' Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, CERAG, 38000 Grenoble, France

Abstract: This article explores the emergence and development of innovation in startups by establishing an original link between Sarasvathy's (2008) effectuation approach and Mauss's (1954) theory of gift/counter-gift. This study thus aims to propose a new reading of the innovation process through the principles of effectuation rethought through the prism of the gift logic. Qualitative research was conducted at a world-leading HealthTech startup. The results point to five principles: start by drawing on a stock of gifts, create a patchwork quilt by cooperating, leverage relationships, think in terms of trust, and become the pilot of gift exchanges. Finally, key implications are drawn for innovation in startups.

Keywords: entrepreneur; innovation; effectuation; gift; startup; case study.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEIM.2024.144595

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, 2024 Vol.28 No.5/6, pp.383 - 395

Received: 29 Sep 2023
Accepted: 07 Jan 2025
Published online: 23 Feb 2025 *

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