Empirical research on high-growth entrepreneurship: a literature review and Latam research agenda

Abstract

Purpose Given the lack of theoretical and empirical research on high-growth entrepreneurs in developed and developing economies; this paper aims to answer, what are the main definitions and typologies used to explain the high-growth phenomenon? How could be described the high-growth entrepreneurs’ life cycle? And what are the main findings and limitations in the empirical research of high-growth entrepreneurship? Design/methodology/approach To advance the study of high-growth entrepreneurship and provide a means through which these advancements can contribute to the understanding of how this phenomenon is defined, the authors organize and review the extant literature based on the foundational definition of entrepreneurship, the typologies used to describe it and the phases of new venture process. The final sample of this methodology consisted of 54 empirical works that explored this issue from 2010 to 2020. Findings This research develops a roadmap on the current state of high-growth entrepreneurship and provides suggestions to guide future research in extending the understanding of this phenomenon. Practical implications The theoretical frameworks developed could be used for both policymakers and entrepreneurs to understand the variables that affect the entrepreneurial life cycle and how they could increase the likelihood of survival of new firms in developed and developing economies. Originality/value The research provides evidence about the definitions and entrepreneurial typologies used to describe the high-growth ventures, bridging unconnected theoretical frameworks and proposing an integrated view to exploring the phenomena in a new setting.