Business Sustainability of Start-Ups Based on Government Support: An Empirical Study of Korean Start-Ups

Innovativeness as the Key to MSMEs’ Performances

Research on Micro Small Medium Enterprises (MSME) has always been an exciting area of study because of its crucial role; however, it turns out that MSMEs have many problems. The problems, such as human resources and their abilities, are rarely discussed. MSMEs tend to be formed because of a compulsion to do so, whereas companies are created by opportunities; therefore, it is essential to include entrepreneur orientation and dynamic capability elements in making MSME performance models. This study used SEM analysis with 333 respondents spread across six provinces in Indonesia. The results showed that innovativeness, which is part of entrepreneur orientation, is critical in the formation of MSMEs’ performances. Moreover, based on the calculation of indirect effects, it revealed that innovativeness through marketing capabilities has a significant influence on the performance of MSMEs.

Strategic Background of the Start-Up—Qualitative Analysis

A start-up is a relatively new and attractive entrepreneurial form that is being explored in a broader national economy and industry context. However, there is little knowledge about its strategy, which is mainly represented by the business development strategy. The main goal of the research is to deepen and expand knowledge about the strategic background of start-ups, which is preparation and condition for a development strategy and later a business strategy, too. The partial goals of the research are in-depth and detailed knowledge of the content and novelty of the business idea, the quality of the internal environment of the start-up, the nature of the external environment of the start-up, and the content of the goals. The research sample contains 147 start-ups operating in Slovakia. Each start-up was researched by a member of the research team, who personally recorded the statements of the founder. The research results are based on qualitative analysis and synthesis of statements of the founders of start-ups. The main result of the research is a summary view of the strategic background of the examined start-ups, which expresses the peculiarities of the start-up business making and documents the possibilities and motives of the start-up’s strategizing. The summary of knowledge about the strategic background of the start-up is synthesized into a strategic balance sheet, which expresses the strategic perspective of the start-up, the possibilities of survival, explains the potential failure, and provides a solution to the identified imbalance. The practical use of the results consists of providing a model of the strategic balance, which is the result of field research of real and functioning start-ups. The originality and value of the research lie in the direct collection of qualitative data, immediate knowledge of business reality, and the synthesis of results into a comprehensive and at the same time detailed picture of the strategic background of the start-up.

Drivers for Sustainable Business Models in Start-Ups: Multiple Case Studies

Mechanisms that large organizations employ to facilitate corporate social responsibility (CSR) engagement simply do not apply to start-ups due to distinct differences. The purpose of this study was to gain insight into how start-ups strive for sustainability in their business models by investigating internal and external drivers related to organizational processes, managerial characteristics, and stakeholder expectations. We explored key factors such as decision-making regarding CSR engagement, business values about sustainability, entrepreneurial orientation, and the relevance of the CSR theater (philanthropic orientation, disruptive innovation, or transforming the ecosystem). Multiple case studies and interview data elucidated how start-ups engage with their community and stakeholders to determine the best approach to sustainability demands, how start-ups embed sustainability practices within their business models, and how these practices match with the entrepreneurs’ personalities. On the basis of our case studies and data analysis, we propose that the decision to engage in CSR is treated as an investment decision. The business values of a start-up determine its CSR engagement. The philanthropic drive of a start-up determines its CSR initiatives, which are then in line with the field the start-up is operating in. Entrepreneurs’ willingness to adopt CSR practices is determined by their personalities and organizational expertise and experiences. CSR engagement within the business models of start-ups is based on a combination of financial and social capital, while financial benefits act as a continuous motivator for CSR engagement from inception.