A configurational paths framework towards institutionalising innovation: a systematic literature review using qualitative comparative analysis.

Drawing on notions of equifinality and challenging established assumptions relating to antecedents, this paper is reviews and synthesises the research literature to understand configurations of Corporate Entrepreneurship (CE) factors related to institutionalisation of innovation in firms. First, we derive a conceptual framework consisting of variables drawn from the CE literature hypothesised to account for successfully promoting and supporting innovation. Second, using Systematic Literature Review (SLR) and Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA), we identify different combinations of factors associated with embedding innovation in firms, thus answering the question “What configurations of CE factors lead successfully to institutionalised innovative behaviour?” Findings suggest that within configurations certain factors are key in helping institutionalise innovation; whereas other factors appear to be less important than previously hypothesised. Findings draw attention to the need for organisations to carefully examine their context in constructing conducive environment for innovation. Strengths and weaknesses of QCA in SLR and for explorative synthetic research, theory building, and causal inference are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]