Connecting the dots. Effectuation and lean startup

Abstract

Accelerated progress in digitalization calls for more entrepreneurial thinking and venturing in an uncertain and fast changing environment. This applies not only to startups but also to established companies. In both cases, entrepreneurial thinking and behavior helps to develop future business opportunities with benefits for new products and business model innovation. Entrepreneurial teachings such as effectuation and the lean startup methodology have significantly improved the tool kit for entrepreneurs in recent years. This paper seeks to combine these two research streams in order to examine how additional insights can be gained in practice at the example of an integrated e-healthcare system in Switzerland. In times of ageing societies where rising health care costs are met by limited resources, digitalized processes can reap significant benefits. Developing digitalized diagnostic solutions – with the help of entrepreneurial effectuation and the lean startup methodology – will enable cost-efficient hom