Technological entrepreneurship: present conditions and future perspectives for Latin America

Abstract

Purpose Technological entrepreneurship is distinguished from other types of initiatives by its innovative characteristics and rapid growth, as well as by the high uncertainty it faces, both in terms of investment cost and capacity for continuous adaptation. The purpose of this study is to investigate the definitions, measures and methods that have been used to investigate the phenomenon and to define the process of the “entrepreneurial journey” and the associated typologies according to the technological level. Design/methodology/approach This paper provides a systematic review of the literature on technological entrepreneurship focusing on emerging economies in Latin America. Based on the review of 62 papers, it analyses the current state and future research perspectives on the topic. Findings The authors can conclude that technological entrepreneurship in Latin America has great opportunities, especially linked to growth, but faces the threats of an uncertain and dynamic environment. Taking advantage of technologies allows the formulation of unique value propositions linked to the environment through innovation that improves the quality of life of the population. Research limitations/implications This study is a starting point for the development of research on resilient technology ventures. Latin America represents a limited location but offers insight into the developing phenomenon to measure the impacts that this phenomenon generates in society. Originality/value Considering the possibilities offered by technology and its continuous evolution, the impact that this type of entrepreneurship generates on the environment can be on a global scale. However, high growth and success are as likely as a failure and this is part of the improvement process.

Do Technology Startups Replicate Internationalization Patterns From Big Companies? Evidence From Latin America

“…Technology entrepreneurship in Latin America presents great growth opportunities [23], although it faces threats from a dynamic environment with high uncertainty. Therefore, the advantage of technology startups is that they can pose unique value propositions that can solve social problems in the various countries of the region [24]. In this sense, this study aims to explore the impact that internationalization has on the evolution process of startups.…”

“…However, the process of creating a startup may be highly challenging in Latin America, taking into account the characteristics of bureaucracy and corruption that are present in the region [58]. There is a large number of barriers for entrepreneurs, as well as a weak business ecosystem [59] even though the opportunities to create high-value startups in the continent are high due to a certain level of homogeneity that exists in the problems faced by the region [60]. Therefore, startups in the region must have high organizational flexibility to adapt quickly to the constant changes (economic, social, and political) that arise in Latin America [61], since each country in the region has its own characteristics.…”

Special section editorial

“…Second, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) offers a systematic review of the literature on technology entrepreneurship (TE) from 2010 to 2020, focusing on emerging economies in Latin America. More concretely, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) investigates the definitions, measures and methods used to research the phenomenon and define the process of the “entrepreneurial journey” and the associated typologies according to the level of technology.…”

“…Second, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) offers a systematic review of the literature on technology entrepreneurship (TE) from 2010 to 2020, focusing on emerging economies in Latin America. More concretely, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) investigates the definitions, measures and methods used to research the phenomenon and define the process of the “entrepreneurial journey” and the associated typologies according to the level of technology. From the review of 62 articles, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) concludes that technological entrepreneurship in Latin America has great opportunities, especially linked to growth, but faces threats from an uncertain and dynamic environment.…”

“…More concretely, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) investigates the definitions, measures and methods used to research the phenomenon and define the process of the “entrepreneurial journey” and the associated typologies according to the level of technology. From the review of 62 articles, Yáñez-Valdés (2021) concludes that technological entrepreneurship in Latin America has great opportunities, especially linked to growth, but faces threats from an uncertain and dynamic environment. The exploitation of technologies makes it possible to formulate unique value propositions that are linked to the environment in the form of innovation that improves the quality of life of the population.…”