Current Issue : July-September Volume : 2026 Issue Number : 3 Articles : 5 Articles
This study investigates the interplay between entrepreneurial leadership and innovation performance in Jordanian IT firms, with a specific focus on the strategic role of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Grounded in a quantitative methodology, data were collected via a structured questionnaire from162 professionals within the Jordanian IT sector. The research model positions AI not merely as a tool but as a potential catalytic factor, examining its direct and moderating effects on the leadership–innovation dynamic. Entrepreneurial leadership was assessed through the dimensions of innovative thinking, pro-activeness, and risk-taking, while innovation performance was measured across product, process, and organizational domains. The findings demonstrate that entrepreneurial leadership exerts a significant positive influence on innovation performance. Beyond the primary leadership effect, our data also reveal a significant, direct benefit from AI adoption on innovation outcomes. However, contrary to the proposed hypothesis, the analysis indicates that AI does not function as a statistically significant moderator in the relationship between entrepreneurial leadership and innovation. This suggests that, within this context, AI operates as a parallel driver of innovation rather than an enhancer of the leadership’s effectiveness. The study provides a critical contribution to the literature by challenging the assumed interactive role of AI in leadership models within emerging economies. It offers actionable insights for leaders in technology firms, emphasizing the imperative of developing strong entrepreneurial leadership capabilities and pursuing strategic AI adoption as complementary, yet independent, pathways to achieving superior innovation....
The necessity for companies to adopt an agile brand management approach to maintain relevance and competitiveness in our dynamic and fast-moving world is a key finding of recent studies. Nevertheless, no study has yet investigated the potential and applicability of the concept of agile branding. Concurrently, start-ups are confronted with the challenge of high failure rates due to shortcomings in brand management. The necessity for start-ups to adopt innovative and dynamic brand strategies arises from the constant internal and external changes that characterise the start-up environment. Previous studies on brand management, by contrast, have mainly focussed on established companies. Given the affinity and need for agility observed in start-ups, agile branding appears to be particularly relevant for start-ups. This study aims to address two research gaps: firstly, to explore the potential of the concept of agile branding and, secondly, to expand academic research of branding practices tailored to start-ups to assist them in overcoming the specific brand management challenges they face. The study draws on an extensive and structured literature review, followed by qualitative semi-structured interviews with eleven experts and 18 start-ups, to discuss the opportunities and challenges of agile branding in the context of start-ups. The results were analysed from the perspective of the five dimensions of agile branding and the dynamic capabilities framework. Agile branding offers start-ups the opportunity to adapt swiftly to market changes, allocate resources efficiently, and reduce risk through data-driven decision-making. Overcoming challenges requires a shift in organisational culture and employee mindset, optimisation of stakeholder feedback processes, and navigation of the complexities of implementation. In conclusion, the advantages of agile branding for start-ups are found to outweigh the disadvantages. The study extends the scarce research on agile branding and provides brand managers and start-up founders with an efficient approach to organising their brand management process with limited resources....
Innovation has become a key driver for seed enterprises to build core competitiveness. Taking L Seed Company as a case study, this paper constructs a threedimensional analytical framework—“technological innovation-variety innovation- model innovation”—based on innovation theory. It delves into core issues within the enterprise regarding innovation resource allocation, innovation outcome transformation, and innovation collaboration mechanisms. The study proposes targeted and feasible strategies for enhancing competitiveness, offering practical pathways for China’s seed industry to achieve innovation-driven high-quality development....
The accelerating climate emergency places the built environment under increasing pressure as both a major source of greenhouse gas emissions and a system highly vulnerable to climate impacts. Buildings contribute substantially to global operational energy use and embodied carbon, while much of the existing stock remains poorly adapted to changing climatic conditions. This paper examines the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in improving energy efficiency, enabling circular material flows, and enhancing resilience across the building lifecycle. Based on a structured synthesis of recent peer-reviewed literature, institutional reports, and documented case examples, the study maps AI applications in design, construction, operation, and end-of-life stages, including generative design, predictive maintenance, digital twins, and construction and demolition waste analytics. The analysis shows how AI can reduce operational energy demand, optimize material use, and support reuse and recycling strategies, while enabling new software-driven business models in the building sector. The paper argues that AI’s effectiveness depends on data availability, interoperability, regulatory alignment, and workforce capabilities, and that its benefits are maximized when integrated with circular economy strategies and supportive policy and financial frameworks. This integrated perspective highlights pathways for reducing emissions and improving the resilience of the built environment under climate stress....
This study examines how venture capital (VC) investors in Saudi Arabia evaluate, negotiate, and support entrepreneurial ventures in a rapidly developing yet institutionally young setting. Drawing on 21 semi- structured interviews with 24 investors, it offers rare insight into VC practices in the Middle East. Saudi VC funds adopt globally recognizable structures—two- tier decision- making and rigorous due diligence—but their operations are shaped by local institutional and cultural dynamics. Deal sourcing relies heavily on personal networks and referrals, reflecting the emphasis on trust in Middle Eastern entrepreneurial finance. Valuation practices are pragmatic: multiples and the venture capital method dominate, while discounted cash flow models are rarely used. Valuation is less of a technical exercise than a negotiated process influenced by bargaining power, founder credibility, and sectoral context. Non- financial factors, especially founder quality, team cohesion, and interpersonal trust often outweigh financial metrics in investment decisions. Beyond financing, Saudi VCs provide mentorship, strategic advice, and access to networks, taking on developmental roles within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The findings extend prior literature by showing how VC adapts to emerging institutional contexts, where cultural norms of trust and networks shape investment behavior and where VC firms act as both financiers and ecosystem builders....
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