Doctoral theses of the School of Engineering are available in the open access repository maintained by Aalto, Aaltodoc.
Public defence in Mechanical Engineering, MSc Maria Talvinko
Public defence from the Aalto University School of Engineering, Energy and Mechanical Engineering Department.
When
–
Where
Event language(s)
English
Title of the thesis: Flavors of ventures, layers of context: Actions of small Finnish food and beverage ventures and how they change their landscapes
Thesis defender: Maria Talvinko
Opponent: Prof. Toni-Matti Karjalainen, The University of the Arts Helsinki, Finland
Custos: Prof. Jouni Partanen.,Aalto University School of Engineering
Recent developments in entrepreneurship research have increasingly emphasized the importance of contextualization and the dynamic relationship between entrepreneurial action and the external environment. This dissertation offers four distinct yet interconnected perspectives on the dynamics between ventures and their environments, focusing on small Finnish food and beverage (F&B) ventures—a sector characterized by rapidly shifting consumer trends, technological advancements, global disruptions, and gradually evolving regulatory and cultural landscapes.
The thesis draws on a qualitative study of 54 food and beverage ventures engaged in forms of ‘everyday’ entrepreneurship, revealing the coexistence of ‘standard model’ features such as innovation and growth orientation, alongside more relational, artisanal, and collaborative approaches to entrepreneurship. These ventures employ entrepreneurial actions that resemble a versatile toolkit used to address challenges, explore opportunities, and co-create with stakeholders in a complex and evolving landscape.
Each of the four articles comprising this dissertation explores a specific dimension of the context–venture relationship, emphasizing the importance of ongoing research encompassing a broader range of venture types and a deeper consideration of the complex dynamics of context. The research broadens how entrepreneurship is understood—showing that innovation and opportunity development also emerge from everyday settings, not just from high-growth or technology sectors. The findings suggest opportunities for entrepreneurs, policymakers, and educators to broaden their perspectives and better include more diverse ventures and entrepreneurs.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship, context, everyday entrepreneurship, entrepreneurial action, experimentation, business model innovation, innovation, stakeholder management
Thesis available for public display 7 days prior to the defence at .
Contact information:
Maria Talvinko
Email address: mariatalvinko@gmail.com
Phone: +46 70 699 7900
LinkedIn:
Doctoral theses of the School of Engineering
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