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High-Tech Start-Ups Performance and Competitiveness: A Hybrid Systematic Literature Review and Future Agenda

Author

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  • Purari Kumar

    (Indian Institute of Technology Delhi)

  • Gourav Dwivedi

    (Indian Institute of Technology Delhi)

Abstract

Technological innovations and digitalisation have made high-tech start-ups increasingly relevant and significant in the contemporary, rapidly evolving entrepreneurial environment. High-tech start-ups use cutting-edge technology to enhance competitiveness and flexibility, achieving success in resource-constrained, rapidly changing environments. Although extensive literature on high-tech start-ups is available, it is fragmented and lacks a coherent theoretical framework. This study explores the key factors that influence high-tech start-up performance and competitiveness. This study thoroughly reviews 131 journal articles from 2000 to 2024 from the Scopus database to address the gap. The study utilises bibliometric analysis to evaluate performance metrics by identifying key trends in high-tech start-up’s performance. The research employs the theory, context, characteristics, and methodology (TCCM) framework to evaluate the selected articles systematically and suggest future research pathways. This study employs the dynamic capability theory to examine high-tech start-up performance, highlighting the importance of resources and capabilities in improving performance competitiveness. The findings present a theoretical framework for investor decisions, regulatory frameworks, and future studies. Future researchers may include additional factors based on specific geography and evaluate the theoretical model with primary data and case studies. This could improve high-tech startup performance and competitiveness through practical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Purari Kumar & Gourav Dwivedi, 2025. "High-Tech Start-Ups Performance and Competitiveness: A Hybrid Systematic Literature Review and Future Agenda," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 20(1), pages 1-9, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijogbc:v:20:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s42943-025-00111-2
    DOI: 10.1007/s42943-025-00111-2
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Samagaio, António & Crespo, Nuno Fernandes & Rodrigues, Ricardo, 2018. "Management control systems in high-tech start-ups: An empirical investigation," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 351-360.
    2. J. Daniel Kim, 2022. "Startup acquisitions, relocation, and employee entrepreneurship," Strategic Management Journal, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 43(11), pages 2189-2216, November.
    3. Nidhi Karwasra & Vani Aggarwal, 2024. "Impact of Digital Competitiveness on Sustainable Development: A Systematic Literature Review," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 19(1), pages 51-63, December.
    4. Krishna Satyanarayana & Deepak Chandrashekar & Bala Subrahmanya Mungila Hillemane, 2022. "Correction to: An Assessment of Competitiveness of Technology‑Based Startups in India," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 114-114, June.
    5. Colombo, Massimo G. & Grilli, Luca, 2010. "On growth drivers of high-tech start-ups: Exploring the role of founders' human capital and venture capital," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 25(6), pages 610-626, November.
    6. Mungila Hillemane Bala Subrahmanya, 2022. "Competitiveness of High-Tech Start-Ups and Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: An Overview," International Journal of Global Business and Competitiveness, Springer, vol. 17(1), pages 1-10, June.
    7. Norma Juma & G. Tyge Payne, 2004. "Intellectual Capital And Performance Of New Venture High-Tech Firms," International Journal of Innovation Management (ijim), World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd., vol. 8(03), pages 297-318.
    8. Wu, Lei-Yu, 2007. "Entrepreneurial resources, dynamic capabilities and start-up performance of Taiwan's high-tech firms," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 60(5), pages 549-555, May.
    9. Manuel Portugal Ferreira, 2011. "Multinationals and subsidiaries: A bibliometric study on Ghoshal?s managing across borders," Working Papers 78, globADVANTAGE, Polytechnic Institute of Leiria.
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    12. Serguey Braguinsky & Steven Klepper & Atsushi Ohyama, 2012. "High-Tech Entrepreneurship," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 55(4), pages 869-900.
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    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O32 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Management of Technological Innovation and R&D
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance

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