Forms of innovation and their organizational and entrepreneurial mechanisms for enhancing the performance of entrepreneurial initiatives: a systematic literature review

Abstract

Innovation is not limited to technical adjustments, it represents a radical change that shapes firm performance. Although it has been extensively examined in the literature, the effects of innovation may vary depending on its form and the way it is implemented within entrepreneurial initiatives. In this regard, this article draws on a systematic literature review of 47 studies published between 2020 and 2024, conducted in accordance with the PRISMA protocol, to provide an overview of the contribution of different forms of innovation to the sustainability of entrepreneurial initiatives. The findings highlight three major themes in contemporary literature, which constitute the main forms of innovation examined in this article. Strategic and ecosystemic innovation, which represents a major research focus with 33 articles, organizational and individual innovation, addressed in 8 articles, and innovation in constrained contexts, covered in 5 articles. The analysis of these themes indicates that innovation plays a cross-cutting role, with its impact depending on available resources, institutional frameworks, and contextual factors. Furthermore, entrepreneur’s capabilities and the resources at their disposal determine the success and impact of these innovations.

Classification JEL : L25, L26, O31, M13, M41

Paper type : Systematic literature review