Developing a Competency Framework for Intergenerational Startup Innovation in a Digital Collaboration Setting

Abstract

This study proposes a framework for the collaborative development of global start-up innovators in a multigenerational digital environment. Intergenerational collaboration has been identified as a strategy to support entrepreneurs during their formative years. However, integrating and fostering intergenerational collaboration remains elusive. Therefore, this study aims to identify competencies for successful global startups through intergenerational knowledge transfer. We used a systematic literature review to identify a competency set consisting of growth virtues, effectual creativity, technical domain, responsive teamwork, values-based organization, sustainable networking, cultural awareness, and facilitating intergenerational safety. The competency framework serves as a foundation for knowledge management research on the global innovation readiness of people to collaborate across generations in the digital age.