Crowdfunding Networks: Structure, Dynamics and Critical Capabilities

Abstract

Crowdfunding platforms – bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and customers – have grown rapidly over recent years. Crowdfunding networks are open, multisided markets that match founders and funders on crowdfunding platforms. The unique structure of these networks blends social and business networks and comprises a complex array of closer and more distant network relationships. Research investigating the characteristics of these open and highly dynamic network structures is in its infancy and capabilities critical to operating in them are under-explored. Thus, this study follows an abductive reasoning process to understand critical capabilities for influencing and orchestrating crowdfunding networks. It draws on a thematic content analysis of 1484 blog entries written by crowdfunding experts and a comprehensive review of (i) literature on crowdfunding networks and (ii) five literature streams dealing with dynamic capabilities in evolving network structures. As a substantial contribution, this research delineates a portfolio of four collaborative capabilities – visioning, dynamic business modelling, engaging, and attaining social continuity – essential for operating successfully in crowdfunding networks. These new collaborative capability sets assume a new understanding of agency as a continuum of managerial and collective agency, an understanding that is novel within the network management and the capabilities literature. Full paper available at https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indmarman.2019.02.012.

Keywords: Crowdfunding, Platform businesses, Dynamic capabilities, Network management, Collaborative economy