Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: this paper aims to deepen the current understanding of the concept of the ‘proto-entrepreneur’ while explaining how this agent works in the process of building up startup innovation capabilities. Methods: we argue that behind new ventures (such as startups) there may be no Schumpeterian entrepreneurs as the traditional literature defines it, but instead what we call proto-entrepreneurs. Results: entrepreneurs are agents capable of, in discontinuous intervals, changing the status quo of already established firms, and even society. Proto-entrepreneurs aspire to do so in startups, but they still lack the knowledge and the necessary set of capabilities to make such changes. Therefore, the conversion of a proto-entrepreneur into an entrepreneur, in the Schumpeterian sense of the term, depends on a process of knowledge accumulation for building the missing innovation capabilities, without which extraordinary profits cannot be reached. This process usually happens in startups - here taken as the primary locus of the proto-entrepreneurial action -, and the proto-entrepreneurs should undertake a sequence of activities for building such capabilities. Conclusions: in such conditions, the proto-entrepreneur should seek knowledge and capabilities, to develop a minimum valuable product, find an initial marketplace, establish scalable operations, and constitute enough management competence.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: this study examines the perception of social impact on Uber users, testing hypotheses about Uber’s association with various types of social change and addressing social issues. Method: a quantitative study with 843 Uber users in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, was conducted using six social change indicators to consider the platform’s characteristics. Multiple linear regression and correlation analyses were used to test the hypotheses about the frequency of use. Results the research shows that peer-to-peer platforms like Uber are linked to social change by addressing social needs and solving issues through interaction. Quality of life and employability are critical for passengers, while drivers prioritize employability and economic concerns. The correlation model indicates a positive relationship across all social change categories, with employability and environment emerging as the main predictors of use. Conclusion: the Uber platform affects non-material culture, policy outcomes, traditional organizational models, and the economy. This research addresses gaps in understanding how technological platforms meet social needs and offers a new perspective on measuring social change. The model helps managers improve market and service offerings and supports public policies for socioeconomic development.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: Understand how digital platforms can be used to render insidious acts, and what roles each actor plays within such ecosystem. Methods: We conducted a non-participant observation of 32 videos and thousands of comments on the YouTube platform on the context of digital predation of minors. Data were codified through thematic analysis. Results: We ended up unraveling six major enablers - i.e., (1) frailty, (2) burdening, (3) ineffective oversight, (4) unaccountability, (5) sense of impunity, and (6) digital naivety, at three levels: organizational, institutional, and individual. Conclusions: This research complements the theory of the digital platforms ecosystem by framing the ‘dark’ side of interactions and illustrating six building blocks that surround the insidious acts occurring within social media platforms. The proposed framework helps us understand how each of these actors facilitates the occurrence of insidious acts through the so-called enablers. Practical and social contributions were also provided.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: this study analyzes sustainable entrepreneurship practices in Brazilian agribusiness startups, specifically agtechs, identifying challenges and opportunities for the application of digital technologies. Methods: the qualitative research approach is based on multiple case studies. Data collection was conducted through interviews with 10 agtechs CEOs and secondary data sources. The ATLAS.ti 23 software was utilized as a resource for data organization and analysis support, employing content analysis as the method. Results: the findings reveal that agtechs adopt practices of entrepreneurship by opportunity and are sustainability-oriented in resource allocation, organizational configuration, and establishment of management systems, principles that contribute to creating an organizational environment conducive to sustainable innovation. Predominantly weak initiatives related to sustainability were identified, which means that there is evidence of adoption of practices that align with sustainability assumptions, but which are not the core of operations and business. These practices are interconnected the potential application of digital technologies. Conclusions: this study provides valuable insights for researchers, professionals, and policymakers interested in promoting sustainable entrepreneurship in the agtech sector.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: social innovation plays a crucial role in addressing social challenges, but innovation initiatives can be remote and short-term. Scalability is essential for expanding the impact of these solutions, thus making it critical to investigate the factors that may contribute to this process. A promising approach to enhancing the scalability of social innovations lies in the use of digital technology. The objective of this study was to understand how digital technologies contribute to scale social innovations. Methods: we conducted a qualitative multiple case study that analyzed three social innovation initiatives. Results: our key contributions include: (1) identifying different types of digital technology that can be applied in the social context; (2) providing evidence that scaling out, scaling up, and scaling deep can occur simultaneously and reinforce one another; (3) understanding the role of technology in scaling social innovations by facilitating operationalization, strengthening trust, and building relationships and network engagement. Conclusions: it is expected that the results and contributions will foster reflections on the importance of establishing a digital infrastructure that favors initiatives aimed at solving societal challenges.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: this paper examines how business model design influences value creation paradoxes in social businesses, with a focus on DPBMs (digital platform-based models). Methods: case studies in the Brazilian education and employability sector are analyzed using the activity system perspective of business model design. Results: the findings show that DPBM-based social businesses exhibit a mix of traditional business model value drivers (complementarity, lock-in, and novelty) and social business value drivers (impact complementarity, shared values, and integration novelty). DPBMs can help social organizations address the learning paradox and improve activity efficiency for business scalability. However, challenges in implementing DPBMs, such as user group selection, revenue models, and platform access regulation, can amplify performance and learning paradoxes. Conclusions: the study provides empirical evidence supporting specific drivers of social business value while highlighting a coexistence with traditional business model drivers. DPBM can aid scalability but presents challenges impacting performance and learning paradoxes. Insights for managers include the significance of business model design and the need to consider social and traditional value drivers in DPBM decisions.

Abstract in English:

ABSTRACT Objective: the study aims to address the central research question: How do digital capabilities impact the performance of digital businesses? We explore digital capabilities in the context of digital transformation, enhancing the understanding of this phenomenon for businesses through dynamic capability theory and defining digital capabilities based on previous studies. Methods: these capabilities are presented in the research model. A survey was conducted with 308 digital businesses, and the hypotheses were tested using partial least squares structural equation modeling. Results: this paper demonstrates the significant impact of digital capabilities on business performance, providing evidence that ecosystem orchestration capability is a precursor to other capabilities. Conclusions: we conclude that a critical factor for a digital business’s success is its responsiveness. Digital capabilities are essential for a company’s success in the new digital business landscape. Additionally, digital technologies enable entrepreneurs to create innovations that cross traditional industry boundaries, integrating digital and non-digital assets and scaling new ventures with new products, services, and business models. This study is valuable for managers to direct investments in digital technologies, integrate stakeholders, and respond quickly to customer demands to enhance performance.