Knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAO) for startup management: a comprehensive review of barriers, strategies and a research agenda

PurposeStartups play a pivotal role in fostering innovation and economic growth, yet they operate in highly uncertain environments characterized by resource constraints and high failure rates. This study aims to examine how startup founders’ knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics (KSAO variables) shape strategic management decisions and enhance resilience in these challenging conditions.Design/methodology/approachApplying a bibliometric-systematic literature review, this study integrates bibliometric mapping and content analysis. From an initial data set of 3,878 papers, a final selection of 72 peer-reviewed studies was analyzed to identify key KSAO variables, barriers to startup success and effective mitigation strategies.FindingsThe findings highlight that founders’ competencies in strategic management, problem-solving, adaptability and partnership development significantly influence startup survival and performance. Barriers such as financial constraints, market volatility and team management challenges were identified, alongside strategies to address them - including fostering human capital, adopting agile leadership and leveraging collaborative networks. This study also underscores the dynamic nature of entrepreneurial competencies, emphasizing continuous learning as a critical factor for long-term success.Originality/valueThis study advances the literature by offering a structured framework that integrates 30 KSAO variables, 8 barriers and 13 strategic responses. It bridges insights from human capital and organizational learning theories, providing a holistic perspective on how entrepreneurial competencies interact with startup management. Additionally, it proposes a research agenda to guide future studies, advocating for longitudinal and mixed-method approaches to deepen the understanding of KSAO-driven startup success.