The Dynamic Capability, Innovation, Competitive Advantage, and Survival of Tech Startups

This study aims to bridge the research gap by exploring the impact of dynamic capability and innovation on startup survival. It tests the mediating roles of competitive advantage and scrutinizes the moderating role of dynamic capabilities in the relationship between innovation and startup survival. The sample group consisted of 170 tech-startups in Thailand. We calculated the sample size based on the estimated parameter ratio for each sample, which was determined using stratified random sampling. We conducted online (Google Forms) and paper (post office) surveys after systematic sampling. The analysis included confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM). The causal relationship model and the empirical data agreed well without adjusting the model, and it was found that dynamic capability did not have a direct effect on the survival of startups. However, the influence of dynamic capability and innovation on the survival of startups through competitive advantage was found to have statistical significance. Furthermore, startups can amplify the impact of innovation on competitive advantage by enhancing their dynamic capabilities. Startups can achieve this by identifying and recognizing opportunities that arise from environmental changes, absorption, and reconfiguration. The implication identified in this research is that startups have a better chance of survival when they have a competitive advantage, employ and encourage innovation, and implement dynamic capability. Doi: 10.28991/HIJ-2024-05-04-08 Full Text: PDF