Exploring liminal experience of entrepreneurs in information and communication technology innovation in underdeveloped regions

Abstract

Research on information and communication technology (ICT) innovation highlights its crucial role in fostering socioeconomic development in underdeveloped regions. Prior studies have shown that the unique context of these regions can present significant challenges, which often lead to project failure. These studies generally examined the phenomenon at the organizational and societal levels, offering limited insights at the individual level, especially on how challenges are dealt with by entrepreneurs. By analyzing two ICT innovation projects in Bangladesh, we explore how entrepreneurs appropriate these challenges and suggest innovative solutions to achieve desired project outcomes. Drawing on the concept of “liminality,” we develop a process model that depicts how entrepreneurs adapt to contextual challenges and establish contextualized practices for successful ICT innovations. We discuss the strategies used by entrepreneurs for path creation during this process and highlight the importance of digital technologies in supporting these strategies. We then outline the implications of our findings for research on ICT innovation in underdeveloped regions.