Choreographies of entrepreneurship. How different formats of co-presence are combined to facilitate knowledge creation in seed accelerator programs

Andreas Kuebart; Oliver Ibert

doi:10.2478/rara-2019-0047

Authors

Andreas Kuebart Leibniz-Institut für Raumbezogene Sozialforschung, Flakenstraße 29-31Erkner, Deutschland
Oliver Ibert Leibniz-Institut für Raumbezogene Sozialforschung, Flakenstraße 29-31Erkner, Deutschland Brandenburgische Technische Universität Cottbus-SenftenbergCottbus, Deutschland

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.2478/rara-2019-0047

Keywords:

Temporary co-presence, relational distance, entrepreneurship, accelerator

Abstract

This paper explores different functions of co-presence for collaborative knowledge creation in the context of seed accelerator programs. Seed accelerators offer programs of three to six months to enhance the growth of early-stage start-ups through various means of training and organizational development. In this paper, seed accelerator programs are analysed as orchestrated sequences of different types of physical co-presence. By drawing on qualitative case study data, the paper identifies eight different ways in which physical co-presence is used during seed accelerator programs. Through these eight types of co-presence, the analysis reveals that physical co-presence unfolds unique social dynamics that are utilized in a carefully designed combination of presence and absence. It is shown that physical co-presence is a means to enact relational distance and to bridge this distance for the benefit of the entrepreneurial process. Therefore, this paper adds a new perspective on how co-presence is used to facilitate the generation of value through collaborative knowledge creation.

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