Design-Led Innovation Strategies of Family Entrepreneurs: Case-based Evidence from an Emerging Market

Abstract

This paper reveals insights from an ongoing PhD study engaging with the innovation management of family owned furniture manufacturers in Turkey. The initial findings presented in this paper relate to the strategies applied in the innovation process of the first case study undertaken within the ongoing PhD. The aim of the study is to seek the entrepreneurial opportunities and challenges when achieving Design-Led Innovation (DLI) in an emerging market. The data are hoped to provide a better understanding of the factors affecting a family business to gain competitive advantage in the market through innovation. The main insight presented in this paper is that family entrepreneurs have unique decision-making processes and strategies during phases of innovation. The other key initial insight found through thematic analysis of in-depth qualitative interviews include key concepts such as vision for design awareness, strengthening existing know-how, customer-oriented strategy, and investment in knowledge.