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Haste makes waste: Nonlinear effects of proactive orientation on innovation speed in new ventures

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  • Yin, Miaomiao
  • Li, Jiying
  • Zhang, Stephen X.

Abstract

Drawing on resource orchestration theory, how proactive orientation impacts the speed of innovation in new ventures was examined along with the moderating effects of entrepreneurs’ business experience and political networking capability. Data from a survey of 574 new ventures indicate an inverted U-shaped relationship between proactive orientation and innovation speed. Political networking capability and business experience enhance the positive effects of proactive orientation on innovation speed, increasing innovation speed-related returns from proactive orientation and diminishing the negative effects of excessive proactive orientation. These findings enrich and advance research on resource orchestration and innovation speed, contributing to a deeper understanding of how new ventures can transform their proactive orientation into faster innovation despite limited resources.

Suggested Citation

  • Yin, Miaomiao & Li, Jiying & Zhang, Stephen X., 2025. "Haste makes waste: Nonlinear effects of proactive orientation on innovation speed in new ventures," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 144(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:techno:v:144:y:2025:i:c:s0166497225000744
    DOI: 10.1016/j.technovation.2025.103242
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