Entrepreneurial Orientation, Knowledge Sharing, and Innovation Performance: Evidence from Digital Startups in Emerging Innovation Ecosystems

This study explores the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), knowledge sharing, and innovation performance (IP) in digital startups operating in emerging innovation ecosystems, specifically in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia. As digital startups face unique challenges and opportunities in rapidly changing markets, understanding the factors that drive innovation is crucial for their long-term success. The study utilizes a quantitative survey approach, collecting data from 250 startup founders across the three countries. The research aims to assess how EO influences innovation performance and the mediating role of knowledge sharing in this relationship. The findings reveal that EO, particularly dimensions such as innovativeness, proactiveness, and risk-taking, significantly impacts innovation performance. Furthermore, knowledge sharing is found to play a key role in enhancing this relationship by facilitating the exchange of ideas and best practices within the organization. The results highlight the importance of fostering a knowledge-sharing culture within startups to accelerate innovation. Additionally, the study underscores the need for digital startups to develop a strong entrepreneurial orientation and engage in collaborative knowledge-sharing practices to remain competitive in dynamic environments. The implications of this research are significant for startup founders, ecosystem developers, and policymakers, who can foster environments that support innovation through the promotion of EO and knowledge sharing. The study also acknowledges the limitations of focusing on specific countries and the reliance on self-reported data, suggesting that future research could explore these dynamics in other regions and industries.