Dissertation: The Network of a Startup is a Combination of Plans and Surprises

M.Sc. (Econ.) Valtteri Kaartemo studied at the University of Turku (Finland) how the network development process of an international new venture evolves in Internet-enabled markets.

‒ Nowadays, it is relatively easy to form a company, but the success generally depends on the development of the network, Kaartemo argues.

The entrepreneurs may have a clue of how the ideal ecosystem should look like. Simultaneously, other stakeholders perceive environment from their own perspective. According to the doctoral research, different views and actions taken either strengthen the network to the direction wished by the entrepreneur or then cause opposing tension to the network development process.

Taking these maneuvers into account, Kaartemo aims at forming a holistic view on how the network develops. In prior research, this topic has received surprisingly little attention. The doctoral thesis questions several theoretical and empirical assumptions which are characteristic to the research domain.

‒ Although startup literature encourages focusing on networks in business operations, this view has not been completely understood. Entrepreneurs should gain a better understanding of their customers in their own social contexts. In the best case, the network becomes an important part of the stakeholder’s identity, Kaartemo says.  

The Role of Social Context Highlighted

Kaartemo studied various roles that were enacted by network partners. Many Internet-enabled services rely on user generated content. In addition to content contributors, the roles of idea generator, sponsor, IT designer, and financer were revealed in the study. 

The dissertation also discusses how Internet-enabled markets, startup scene, and international business environment enable and constrain the behavior of individual people and the network development process.

‒ The motives why people engage in network development process are not simple, and the actors are not typically interested in the future of the network. In networks, the role of social context and people’s perceived futures are highlighted.

The empirical part of the doctoral dissertation focuses on Founder2be, an online service for matchmaking the best business ideas with potential cofounders. The empirical data is mostly based on the interview data collected from the network.  

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The public defense of M.Sc. (Econ.) Valtteri Kaartemo’s doctoral dissertation ”Network development process of international new ventures in Internet-enabled markets: Service ecosystems approach” takes place on Friday November 22nd at noon (University of Turku, Turku School of Economics, Lecture Hall Osuuskauppa, Rehtorinpellonkatu 3). Professor Maria Holmlund-Rytkönen from Hanken School of Economics acts as the opponent, and professor Niina Nummela as the custos.

M.Sc. (Econ.) Valtteri Kaartemo was born in Turku in 1983. He graduated from International Baccalaureate program in 2002 (Turku Teacher Training School). He graduated from Turku School of Economics in 2007. Kaartemo acts as a University Lecturer at the University of Turku. The thesis is defended in the field of international business.

Contact information for editors:
phone: +358-44-5171183, email valtteri.kaartemo(a)utu.fi
photo: www3.utu.fi/vaittelijat/kaartemo_valtteri.jpg
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The dissertation is published in the electronic database of the University of Turku:
https://www.doria.fi/handle/10024/93611