Title: Modelling the antecedents of innovation-based growth intentions in entrepreneurial ventures: the role of perceived regulatory conditions in the German renewable energies and disease management industries

Authors: Marc Grunhagen, Holger Berg

Addresses: Schumpeter School of Business and Economics, Wuppertal University, Gaussstrasse 20, Wuppertal 42097, Germany. ' Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Research, Wuppertal University, Gaussstrasse 20, Wuppertal 42097, Germany

Abstract: This paper develops a model of regulatory and policy support effects on innovation-based growth intentions of entrepreneurs. Our empirical study consists of multiple embedded case studies from the German renewable energies and medical disease management industries, including 6 firm cases, 20 expert interviews and a survey of 47 entrepreneurs and managers. The results suggest regulatory complexity and reliability as well as the degree of policy supportiveness as the central influence constructs on the perceived feasibility and desirability of growth aspirations. For innovation and entrepreneurship policy, this implies: 1) that regulatory frameworks and incentives should feature long-term continuity so as to reduce product development and investment risks; 2) that this may be flanked by demand- and supply-side instruments to address market anomalies; 3) that the implementation of regulatory and policy measures should be kept transparent and accessible to reduce perceived administrative complexity.

Keywords: innovation intentions; growth aspirations; innovation policy; entrepreneurship policies; industry evolution; renewable energies; disease management; Germany; entrepreneurial ventures; entrepreneurs; policy support; medical diseases; regulatory complexity; regulatory reliability; managers; supportiveness; perceived feasibility; perceived desirability; incentives; long-term continuity; investment risks; demand-side instruments; supply-side instruments; market anomalies; transparent implementation; administrative complexity; laws; legislation; new product development; NPD; regulation; regulatory frameworks; technology.

DOI: 10.1504/IJTPM.2011.042085

International Journal of Technology, Policy and Management, 2011 Vol.11 No.3/4, pp.220 - 249

Published online: 31 Mar 2015 *

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