Who is a Successful Technopreneur? A Study of Technology SMEs in Iran and India

Abstract

Entrepreneurs are defined in different ways. There are many definitions of entrepreneurship and this has been a matter of debate and discussion in academic literature. However, in general, entrepreneur is perceived to be different in important ways from the non entrepreneur. Based on the researches carried out, it is concluded that these differences are due to background and personality of the entrepreneur. This paper aims to find out the important characteristics of successful entrepreneurs among technology SMEs in Iran and India. A sample of 84 entrepreneurs is studied through questionnaire survey. Suitable statistical methods were applied to analyze data. It is found that although there is a difference between technology orientations of the technology SMEs in Iran in India; there is no difference in their performance. There is no difference between performances of the firms based on their technology orientations. The results show difference between technology orientations of the successful technopreneur whereas it is not so in less successful firms. The results suggest courage, desire for success, work experiences and lack of satisfaction in last job to be common important factors for success of technopreneurship in Iran and India. When the technology orientation of the sample is taken into account, the only influential factor is courage.