Organizational scaling, scalability, and scale-up: definitional harmonization and a research agenda
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Published version
Author(s)
Coviello, Nicole
Autio, Erkko
Nambisan, Satish
Patzelt, Holger
Thomas, Llewellyn DW
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The concepts of ‘scaling,’ ‘scalability,’ and ‘scale-up’ are increasingly used in business research and practice. However, the literature reveals a range of definitions for each, and often, their meanings are only implied. This diminishes the ability to build cumulative and meaningful insight - and conduct research - on each concept. In this editorial, we offer a systematic review that assesses and harmonizes prior definitions of these important concepts. This allows us to define and differentiate between (a) scaling as an organizational process, (b) scalability as an ordinary organizational capability, and (c) scale-up as a phase of organizational development. Complementing and extending existing scholarly work, we develop a rich agenda for scaling-related research in entrepreneurship.
Date Issued
2024-09
Date Acceptance
2024-07-08
Citation
Journal of Business Venturing, 2024, 39 (5)
ISSN
0883-9026
Publisher
Elsevier BV
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Business Venturing
Volume
39
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC license
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).
License URL
Identifier
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusvent.2024.106419
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
106419
Date Publish Online
2024-07-16