Investigation of the barriers affecting innovation: A qualitative comparative study of Indian start-ups operating in high and low-to medium technology sectors

Abstract

This dissertation aims to investigate the barriers affecting innovation among Indian start-ups operating in high and low to medium technology sectors and teasing out any similarities and differences in terms of barriers by undertaking a comparative study. The study also aims to explore other “factors” differentiating Indian start-ups operating in high technology from Indian start-ups operating in the low to medium technology sectors. Two theoretical frameworks, namely the “Resource based View” (which looks at the internal perspective) and the “Institution based view” (which looks at the external perspective) are used throughout this research study. An inductive exploratory case study methodology with a thematic analysis approach to analyze empirical data is adopted in this dissertation. Qualitative semi-structured interviews are used to as the main data collection method in this research study. The findings of this study are explored on an individual basis using the two theoretical frameworks namely RBV & IBV. This is followed by the discussion chapter which presents and discusses summary of key findings and holistically explores the 9 case studies using the same two theoretical frameworks (specifically focusing on “barriers”). Various conclusions are drawn after successfully reviewing the secondary research on innovation & entrepreneurship and completing the primary research. Finally, research limitations and future research avenues are identified towards the end of the research study.