Challenges and opportunities of new research methods in innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge

Research methods affect empirical results and shape theory construction. For years, social science scholars have applied multiple regression analysis (MRA) to analyze data and develop theories. Studies have pointed out the reasons for bad practice in MRA. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) is an extension of qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) based on Boolean algebra and fuzzy-set theory. FsQCA identifies the combinations of causes leading to outcomes of interest and is suitable to reflect the complexities of many research problems. To handle multiple-layer problems (i.e., the outcome of a relationship becomes an antecedent of another outcome in another relationship), qualitative analysis with structural associations has been proposed to extend fsQCA. This special issue presents new research results by using or contrasting quantitative and qualitative research methods in the fields of innovation, entrepreneurship, and knowledge.

Automated summary

Research methods are crucial in shaping empirical results and theory construction. Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis identifies causal combinations leading to outcomes of interest. Previous studies have highlighted issues with bad practice in multiple regression analysis.