The Use of Information Technology and Innovation in Entrepreneurial Small Firms - An exploratory study

International audienceThis study explored the relationship of the entrepreneur's/founder's ability and skills and the company's strategic use of innovative information technology. A triangulation of the results based on 7 case studies in Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK, and US coupled with a survey instrument found that the personal motivations and skills of the entrepreneur are important phenomena in small firms' IT-based innovation and business development. Also, prior work experience and the entrepreneurs' ability to "act thinkingly" and adapt to changes in market condition are valid explanatory phenomena. The study proposes the existence of a digital mindset and a winning formula based on a combination of customer focus, creation of an innovative firmculture and social entrepreneurial skills to connect, merge, and optimize the resources available in the value chain