The Influence of Entrepreneurial Origin-Strategy Mixes on Levels of Product Innovativeness: The Cases of Agro-preneur in Thailand

Abstract

This study is a qualitative research with the use of case study methodology. This research is focused on the influence of entrepreneurial origin (opportunity or necessity) and firm’s innovation strategy (technology-push or market-pull) mixes on levels of product innovativeness in the cases of agro-industry entrepreneur (agro-preneur) in Thailand. The Origin-Strategy Mixes (OSM) model was developed from past literature to help identify possible mixes and explain the relationships. The paper used narrative approach in investigating on these relationships on three Thai organic-based agro-preneurs. The empirical study has shown that entrepreneurial origin and business strategy mixes do discordantly affect levels of product innovativeness. The study provides initial understanding on the importance of OSM influences, which can be applied to improve the competitiveness of agro-preneur in Thailand. The main limitation of this study is that only three cases in Thailand were investigated. To address this, future research should emphasize on larger sample size to improve generalization ability. The use of quantitative research to further verify the OSM model is also encouraged.

 

Keywords: Entrepreneur; Innovation; Origin; Strategy; Agro-industry