The purpose of this paper is to explore narratives in a new nonprofit arts center. It includes the macro-, meso-, and personal narratives that keep the center organized in the midst of the chaotic everyday activities. It advocates the explanatory force of narrative as an alternative to organizational life cycle theory for understanding organizational startups. This narrative ethnography involved participant observation, full participation, and narrative interviews over a three-year period. Using grounded theory, narratives were examined to discover how they engendered and maintained order. This paper contributes to the understanding narratives as a constitutional organizing and sensemaking process, including the narratives of “do it yourself,” and economic production, family and home, and personal narratives that constitute community, community boundaries, and identity, adding to our knowledge of organizing. The research examined only one local nonprofit arts center, therefore the findings are specific to this site and the same types of narratives may not necessarily be found in other nonprofits. This paper examines a nonprofit during start-up. It validates support for the examination of organizations through narrative ethnography and narrative interviewing. It purports that narratives constitute social identity, rather than being the evidence of social identity.

Introduction: Since the 1980s and onwards, entrepreneurship and start-ups have exploded. In comparison to more established companies, firms that are defined as start- ups wanting to scale-up are coined by different sorts of vulnerabilities. These can be found in their lack of resources regarding both financial and human capital. Previous research has shown that a greater focus on the work with internal structure and routines, as well as organizational behavior (OB) can make it easier for a company to take on greater challenges and organizational complexity and at the same time be able to grow. Aim: This study aims to get a better understanding of how start-ups strive to scale up and achieve growth by working with institutionalized practices. Method: The study represents a qualitative study where empirical data is gathered from interviews that have been conducted with five managers from three different start-up companies. Results: Though all the companies fall into the same category as start-up business, there are still some clear factors that set them apart from each other. Companies 1 and 3 can be viewed as larger start-ups, while company 2 is comparatively smaller. The companies have similar goals, maximizing profit and steadily trying to grow. Both companies 1 and 3 have adopted a more hierarchical structure to better manage the growing organization, while company 2 has remained a flat organization in order not to stifle the creative flow they feel is supported by this type of organization model. Representatives from company 2 do however express concerns with accountability and the emergence of informal structures related to a lack of oversight and control. Conclusion: The results indicate that a start-up aiming to scale up will go through several phases of creating order. Therefore, with the absence of the institutionalized practices a company will be set up for failure. Working with communication on every organizational level thus becomes important where the manager has a responsibility of putting the employee in focus.

Technical Debt (TD) is a concept referring to technical deficiencies and sub-optimal decisions made in software development that may save time in the short term but lead to long-term obstacles. The concept also implies increased future costs, often growing with interest, caused by slower development rates and the need for refactorings. The high-paced environment of tech start-ups often leads to companies taking shortcuts in their development process, prioritizing iteration speed and time-to-market over longterm scalability. Oftentimes resulting in the accumulation of TD through sub-optimal technology choices, modularity, or architecture. Start-ups also play an important role in the innovation of many industries, hence, their contribution to differing markets and new products is valuable. Poorly managed TD in start-ups may lead to large obstacles when initiating a scale-up phase, leading to a possible development in industries slowing down, and it is therefore important to create the best possible conditions for start-ups to succeed in managing their TD, which is where this study aims to provide aid. A multiple-case study was performed with several tech start-ups in the Stockholm area on how TD has emerged and has been managed through its journey. The findings show that start-up companies are often inclined to deliberately accumulate TD in the early stages, in order to facilitate swift market establishment and proof of concept for their product. Further, the negative consequences of early accumulated TD were found to be limited. However, TD should not be left to grow for too long even in a start-up phase, since the findings show that this often results in large costs. Instead, start-ups should plan for there factoring of early accumulated TD by expecting a technological pivot. Furthermore, in the continuous management of TD, the results show that team composition, including personality traits and in-house competence, often impacts the success of managing TD more than meticulous planning, motivating the management in the start-ups to more thoroughly consider how they build their teams, and what competencies are present in the company, or needed. / Teknisk Skuld är ett begrepp som syftar på suboptimala beslut som fattas inom mjukvaruutveckling som kan spara tid på kort sikt, men som innebär framtida kostnader, ofta med ränta, genom refaktorering eller långsammare utvecklingstid. Den snabba miljön hos tech start-ups leder ofta till att företag tar genvägar i sin utveckling, vad gäller till exempel teknikval, modularitet eller arkitektur. Start-ups spelar också en viktig roll i innovationen i många branscher, och är därför värdefulla i olika marknader och nya produkter. Dåligt skött teknisk skuld i nystartade företag kan leda till stora hinder närman initierar en uppskalningsfas, vilket leder till att eventuell utveckling i branscher bromsar in, och det är därför viktigt att skapa de bästa möjliga förutsättningarna för start-ups att lyckas hantera sina tekniska skuld, vilket denna studie syftar till att bidra till. I den här artikeln genomfördes en flerfallsstudie med flera nystartade teknikföretag i Stockholmsområdet om hur teknisk skuld har vuxit fram och hanterats genom sin resa. Resultaten visar att teknisk skuld inte anses vara dåligt i mycket tidiga skeden, där ackumuleringen av teknisk skuld ofta skapar marknadsetablering och samlar bevis för vad produkten bör vara för, och tidigt ackumulerad teknisk skuld är oftast lättare att hantera än i senare skeden. Teknisk skuld bör dock inte lämnas att växa för länge även i en uppstartsfas, eftersom resultaten visar att detta ofta leder till alldeles för stora kostnader. Istället bör nystartade företag planera för omstrukturering av tidigt ackumulerad teknisk skuld genom att förvänta sig en teknisk pivot. Vidare, i den kontinuerliga hanteringen av teknisk skuld, visar resultaten att team-sammansättning, inklusive personlighetsdrag och intern kompetens, ofta påverkar framgången med att hantera teknisk skuld mer än noggrann planering, vilket motiverar ledningen i nystartade företag att mer noggrant överväga hur de bygger sina team och vilka kompetenser som finns i företaget, eller vilka som behövs.

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Sustainability is one of the main concerns for businesses in order to being competitive in the market. Sustainability is one the most important and popular fields for the companies due to customer expectations and profitability. Therefore, there is a need to comprehend sustainability in production systems in order to encounter drivers, transform production systems with smart tools, and evaluate the measurements in production systems. The purpose of this thesis is to investigate how to achieve sustainability goals for start-up companies and how these companies can incorporate sustainability in order to improve their production systems. Literature study was performed to build a theoretical foundation for this thesis, therefore allowing the opportunity to answer the research questions of this thesis. The literature study was covered to identified aspects, including drivers of sustainable production systems, sustainability indicators, and technological developments in the production systems. To answer the research questions a single case study was carried out. The company was a start-up company in the food and beverage industry. Data was collected through questionnaires, document review, interviews, and observations. An investigation regarding sustainability goals and measurement indicators are critical when implementing sustainability practices in the production systems. The outcome from these investigations set a knowledge for improving production systems to better meet sustainability goals. To measure sustainability indicators, there is a need to correct data collection and understand how to use the equations. The measurement indicators identified in production systems having a direction to measure environmental aspects in the production systems. The technological improvements have an impact on the motivation regarding sustainability indicators in order to decrease energy consumption, waste and water management, emissions, and production efficiency, as well as decreasing the cost. This thesis provides a knowledge for the start-up company in order to implement sustainability aspects in the production systems to better meet sustainability goals. Additionally, highlights areas of drivers factor and measurement indicators for integration of sustainability in the production systems.

Purpose: The paper aims to identify the ecological orientations of the Swedish start-ups and explore the opportunities and challenges to determine their environmental sustainability actions. Methods: The study used a qualitative method for conducting this exploratory type of research. This paper focused mainly on primary data; semi-structured interviews were conducted on ten Swedish start-ups to explore their sustainable environmental practices. Finally, the collected data were analyzed through cross-case analyses. Findings: Firstly, the findings of the paper posit that the ten Swedish start-ups belong to eco-dedicated, eco-open and eco-reluctant orientations according to their business practices. Secondly, the study explores that saving cost for long run, reusability of components, and the best use of available resources are major opportunities whereas the prime challenges are the additional cost of eco-friendly solutions, customers' price sensitiveness and market competition. And thirdly, the study determines sustainability actions of three categories of start-ups that are self-motivated, hybrid and government support driven.  Contribution: This study contributes to the knowledge of environmental sustainability practices of Swedish start-ups through the lens of ecological orientation. The sole focus on environmental sustainability dimension enhances the theoretical understanding of the start-ups’ actions according to their ecological orientations. Further, this paper equips academic researchers with valuable information of Swedish start-ups’ environmental sustainability actions and help to determine the contribution of the start-ups in environmental sustainability continuum. Moreover, the findings inform about the benefits of environmentally sustainable practices for new businesses. The paper also provides multifaceted information to the business managers about the sustainability actions of start-ups as per their ecological orientations. Conclusions: The result of the study shows that eco-dedicated start-ups are proactive in case of pursuing the environmental sustainability actions while eco-open businesses incorporate both self-driven and regulatory actions. And the sustainability actions of eco-reluctant startups are dependent on the government supports and regulations.

The thesis focuses on the integration of sustainability in the early stages of startups by developing a new framework. Given the resource constraints and focus on viability, it might be difficult for startups to consider sustainability at these early stages. A literature review revealed a lack of information on this subject. The research investigates the sustainability-related challenges startups face, identifies factors for sustainable business models using expert interviews and literature review. Due to the lack of information related to sustainable early stages start-ups, the author analyses basic principles related to start-ups and sustainability. The author looks into holistic approach to sustainability since a fragmental approach to sustainability risks harming the ecosystem while improving some metrics without systemic overview. Life-centred design is an emerging design approach that focuses on the well-being of all life forms and the health of our planet, thus making a shift from just human-centred design. The life-centred design was taken into consideration since it covers different aspects of sustainability as well as ethics and provides practical guidance for the designing process. Based on literature review and expert interviews the framework was formulated. The developed solution was tested with three early-stage startups, providing practical insights. The author analyses the findings and concludes that start-ups which have sustainability as a core value proposition are already sustainable and their sustainable impacts potentially scales with their product growth. At the same time for these types of start-ups it’s vital to consider additional value for the customer apart from sustainable value. For the start-ups with core value not directly related to sustainability, the sustainability can be embedded within a lean approach and aligning sustainability with their business goals if it doesn't require sacrificing limited resources such as money. Finally, the author suggests tools that raise awareness of participants and can be useful for holistic picture, based on findings during the workshop.

No / Purpose - The aim of this paper is to gain a better understanding of how small technology start-ups learn about a key customer in the context of B2B relationships, and to propose a model of interfirm learning with customers. Design/methodology/approach - Using a qualitative case-based approach, the authors immerse themselves in the development of three learning alliances between technology startups and industry leaders, two successes and one failure, to gain an in-depth understanding of the dynamics involved. Data were collected on both sides of the alliance dyad. Findings - The paper delineates four learning cycles: alliance inception, joint-learning, specialization and discovery. These learning cycles constitute sequences of increasing understanding, cooperation, and higher order learning between the partners; evolving from an exchange of existing knowledge to the joint development of new knowledge. Originality/value - This study contributes to an integration of the alliance and marketing literatures by offering empirical evidence of a different type of alliance, namely the reciprocal learning alliance. It also contributes to broadening our understanding of market orientation in inter-organizational settings. In the context of business-to-business relationships, the study has identified four critical dimensions of learning alliance success, and proposed how they could be measured: Learn about customers; Interact with customers; Customer-specific investments; and Co-develop breakthrough innovations. Finally, the study demonstrates the significant role played by 'committed champions'.

Sustainable entrepreneurship is increasing in importance because it can lead to a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable society. Firms can solve social and environmental problems and be economically self-sustaining at the same time. Innovation is seen as key to find new solutions for environmental sustainability. Furthermore, scholars see stakeholder engagement as a new solution to create innovations for sustainability and environmental sustainability in particular. Since there have only been few empirical studies in sustainable entrepreneurship and current literature does not sufficiently answer the question how stakeholders are engaged to create innovations for environmental sustainability, we dedicated our study to answer the following research question: How are stakeholders engaged in the creation of an innovative product and/or service for environmental sustainability in sustainable entrepreneurial start-ups from the perspective of the firm? We define sustainable entrepreneurial start-ups as self-sustaining and independent companies that discover, evaluate and exploit opportunities to transition to an environmentally sustainable society. Reviewing the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship, innovation and stakeholder engagement results in a tentative model, which shows the process of stakeholder engagement in sustainable entrepreneurial start-ups. Since the field of study is relatively new, there are some question marks and themes in the model that need to be researched further. We conduct a qualitative exploratory study on German and Swedish start-ups in the fields of renewable energy and energy efficiency with different characteristics to research stakeholder engagement from several perspectives. The data collection technique is semi-structured interviews. We use the abductive approach and the visual mapping strategy in addition to time scales in order to develop understanding of stakeholder engagement. Based on our analysis, we revise the model and show how stakeholders are engaged in sustainable start-ups. Our findings show how different groups of stakeholder such as the team, feedback givers, financial resources givers, technology developers and promoters are engaged to develop the start-ups´ business and innovation throughout the idea- and product development and commercialization. Not only the type of innovation but more aspects such as the relationship to stakeholders and secrecy influence how stakeholders are engaged. Our study has several contributions. For instance, it contributes to stakeholder (engagement) theory and an increased awareness of sustainable entrepreneurial start-ups and their innovative solutions in society. It provides guidelines to start-ups to improve engagement with stakeholders for making their innovations more successful. We recommend further research and give examples of research questions on the topic stakeholder engagement.

A la lumière du rôle de premier plan joué par les entreprises jeunes dans la définition du processus de destruction créatrice et dans la création globale d’emplois, cette thèse fournit de nouvelles preuves de la dynamique de ce segment du système de production. La thèse s’articule autour des thèmes suivants : i) le rôle joué par les activités d’innovation dans la promotion de la croissance de l’emploi dans les jeunes entreprises ; ii) l’impact de la récession économique sur les taux de croissance des jeunes entreprises par rapport aux petites entreprises ; iii) le rôle joué par les politiques publiques dans le soutien aux entreprises innovantes. Le chapitre 1 examine le lien sous-étudié entre les activités d’innovation et la croissance de l’emploi dans les entreprises nouvellement créées. Basés sur un ensemble de données représentatif d’une cohorte d’entreprises américaines créées en 2004, les résultats soulignent la pertinence de la recherche et du développement et des brevets pour favoriser la croissance et, en particulier, la performance à forte croissance des entreprises nouvellement créées. Le chapitre 2 fournit des éléments de preuve supplémentaires sur la relation entre innovation et croissance en utilisant des données chiliennes et se concentre sur les différences de rendement de l’innovation pour les entreprises jeunes et matures. Les résultats montrent que l’innovation profite aux entreprises à forte croissance. Cependant, ces résultats se concrétisent en particulier pour les entreprises matures et dans le cas d’innovation de procédé, alors que les activités innovantes ne semblent pas être une condition préalable à la performance à forte croissance des jeunes entreprises. Ces résultats mettent en évidence le fait que les rendements de l’innovation pourraient être spécifiques au contexte. Le chapitre 3 porte sur l’impact de la récession à double creux sur la performance de croissance des jeunes entreprises par rapport aux petites entreprises. En utilisant des données pour dix pays de la zone euro, les résultats montrent que les petites entreprises n’ont pas été particulièrement touchées, voire plus performantes, alors que les jeunes entreprises ont enregistré une nette diminution de leur taux de croissance. Dans l’analyse, nous constatons également que le canal de la contrainte financière semble être l’une des forces responsables des résultats susmentionnés. / In light of the prominent role played by young firms in shaping the creative destruction process and contributing to overall job creation, this thesis provides novel evidence on the dynamics of these segment of the productive system. In particular, the dissertation revolves around the following topics: i) the role played by innovation activities in fostering employment growth in young firms; ii) the impact of the economic recession of the growth rates of young vs. small firms; iii) the role played by public policies in supporting innovative entrants. In more detail, Chapter 1 examines the under-researched nexus between innovation activities and employment growth in newly born firms. Based on a representative dataset for a cohort of US firms born in 2004, the results highlight the relevance of R&D and patenting to foster growth and, especially, high-growth performance for newly-born firms. Chapter 2 provides additional evidence on the relationship between innovation and growth by using Chilean data and focus on how returns to innovation differ for young and mature firms. Results show that innovation benefits high-growth firms. However, these results materialize especially for mature firms and in the case of process innovation whereas innovative activities do not appear to be a prerequisite for high-growth performance in young businesses. These findings highlight how the returns to innovation might be context specific. Chapter 3 focuses on the impact of the double-dip recession on the growth performance of young vis-à-vis small firms. Using data for ten Eurozone countries, the findings show that small firms were not particularly affected - if anything they performed better - whereas young firms experienced a marked decrease in their growth rates. In the analysis we also find that the financial constraint channel appears to be one of the forces responsible for the above results. In Chapter 4 the main focus is the investigation of the role of public policy in providing support for the performance of innovative new firms. In particular, we investigate the impact of a recent policy implemented in Italy (i.e. the “Start-up Act”). The analysis indicates an overall positive effect of the program on a wide range of firm-level outcomes.