A Longitudinal and Dynamic Approach to Entrepreneurial Learning

The paper analyses in depth qualitative case material, in the light of previous research and in the context of a dynamic, longitudinal approach. The analysis takes a longitudinal approach to a small number of case studies that have been tracked over an extended period of time to yield insights into the nature of entrepreneurial learning over such a temporal period. It is arguable that previous research, even where qualitative case studies have been used, has been limited in terms of longitudinal and dynamic insights (Harrison and Leitch, 2005). The research has followed the development of the key entrepreneurs involved in the case studies from formation, through discontinuous growth periods, innovative product development, critical incidents, from local to global player. The paper contributes to our understanding of the particular role of critical incidents in the process of entrepreneurial learning. It takes a dynamic framework approach to entrepreneurial learning (Cope, 2005) to examine the nature of entrepreneurial learning in two case study firms that have undergone considerable transformation from the development of technology-related products. The two case study firms have been the subject of a series of in-depth interviews over a period of five years, allowing unique insights into the nature of entrepreneurial learning over an extended period of time. The paper contributes to our knowledge by developing increased understanding of the process of entrepreneurial learning specifically through the tracking of small innovative and technology-based firms from start-up to global player over an extended period of time. The importance of entrepreneurial learning and knowledge acquisition in such growth has been highlighted recently by Fletcher (2010) and pointed to a research gap in longitudinal work in this area. This paper provides a contribution to that research gap.