Entrepreneurial bricolage and entrepreneurial performance: The role of business model innovation and market orientation

Abstract

Newly established enterprises in China face significant challenges and opportunities, with persistently high mortality rates. Navigating market challenges and establishing sustainable competitive advantages are pressing issues for contemporary businesses. This study delves into the bridging role of business model innovation between entrepreneurial bricolage and entrepreneurial performance, with market orientation influencing the relationship boundaries. We examined 288 Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises, investigating the relationships among entrepreneurial bricolage, business model innovation, market orientation, and entrepreneurial performance. Empirical results indicate: (1) Entrepreneurial bricolage positively influences business model innovation, and business model innovation positively impacts entrepreneurial performance. (2) Business model innovation plays a fully mediating positive role between entrepreneurial bricolage and entrepreneurial performance. (3) Market orientation positively moderates the impact of entrepreneurial bricolage on business model innovation and entrepreneurial performance, and it also positively moderates the impact of business model innovation on entrepreneurial performance. (4) Market orientation positively moderates the impact of entrepreneurial bricolage, mediated by business model innovation, on entrepreneurial performance. The study results contribute to a more effective understanding of the mechanisms through which entrepreneurial bricolage and business model innovation influence entrepreneurial performance, as well as how market orientation moderates their relationships and how enterprises sustain competitive advantages.