Dynamics of Corporate Entrepreneurship in Technology Companies: A Study of Strategic Practices and Governing Frameworks Shaping Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Corporate entrepreneurship is a strategic imperative for technology enterprises in a competitive landscape where evolution manifests on an exponential scale. This study examines how leading tech firms like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft foster innovation through diverse entrepreneurial initiatives, balancing autonomy with strategic alignment. The research employs a qualitative approach, using expert interviews, case studies, and literature analysis to explore internal and external innovation strategies. Findings highlight the importance of aligning entrepreneurial endeavors with long-term goals and fostering a culture that encourages risk-taking and adaptability. The Strategic Entrepreneurship Framework (SEF) is proposed to analyze the diverse approaches to innovation, revealing distinct strategies in acquisitions, venture capital investments, and internal incubators adopted by these established tech firms. Amazon emphasizes employee empowerment and strategic acquisitions, Google focuses on "moonshot" projects and external partnerships, while Microsoft prioritizes internal hackathons and cultural transformation. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of corporate entrepreneurship in the tech sector, and serves as a valuable resource for understanding how leading tech companies drive innovation, with interesting implications for future research. Further investigation could explore the impact of emerging technologies on these strategies, their scalability, and long-term sustainability amidst global shifts.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master

Department dc:contributor.department

System Design and Management Program.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Addanki, Sowmya

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Cusumano, Michael A.

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright - Educational Use Permitted
• Copyright retained by author(s)

Licence dc:rights.uri

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC-EDU/1.0/

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/155611

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/155611