Identifying the evolution of external support needs during the lifecycle of young, high-growth Walloon businesses (illustrated by the digital sector)

Details

Supervisors

Decaux, Loïc

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] en sciences de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

This thesis is a study of the entrepreneurial landscape and external support systems of Belgium’s southern region of Wallonia, which explores how young, high-growth businesses’ external support needs evolve throughout their lifecycle. A series of external support resources in Belgium are identified, along with key strengths and weaknesses of the existing external support systems. Thanks to an approach based on the characteristics of the national and regional business ecosystems, and on critical success and failure factors for young businesses, the following conclusions are revealed. Finance support is an urgent need for early-stage ventures, but remains important as they grow throughout their lifecycle. Acquiring knowledge is a constant need that is met by a variety of actors. Other support needs are punctual, and young businesses seek reactively for such assistance. The need for internationalisation support arrives earlier in the lifecycle than current external support offerings might suggest. Finally, while the sufficient quantity and quality of the external support offerings available in Wallonia do not seem to be in doubt, their visibility and clarity may be lacking.