Beyond 'know-what' and 'know-how' to 'know-who': enhancing human capital with social capital in an Australian start-up accelerator

Abstract

Beyond 'Know-What' and 'Know-How' to 'Know-Who'-Enhancing Human Capital with Social Capital in an Australian Start-up Accelerator This study investigates the enhancement of human capital with social capital in a start-up accelerator and how this integration affects the entrepreneurial learning experience. In particular, it examines the relative importance of the three components 'know-what', 'know-how' and 'know-who'. The study involved thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with participants in an Australian start-up accelerator that is delivered using ideas such as Design Thinking, the Business Model Canvas and Lean Start-up methodology. We find that although the programme emphasised 'know-what' and 'know-how', 'know-who' was most significant for participant learning. The results indicate that mentors and experts were especially helpful in shaping learning and in developing entrepreneurial networks. Moreover, our results show that the processes of 'know-what', 'knowhow' and 'know-who' are interrelatedby knowing 'who', participants learnt 'what' and 'how to' through social learning. The research contributes to entrepreneurial learning theory and application particularly in the Asia Pacific context, by providing evidence that 'know-who' closes the learning loop for 'know-what' and 'know-how' as 'know-who' can actually provide entrepreneurs with the means to enhance their entrepreneurial self-efficacy.

Situated learning in a business incubator: Encouraging students to become real entrepreneurs

“…Nevertheless, this experience provided insights into important elements of entrepreneurship such as understanding customers, working in teams and relationships with suppliers. In more formal terms, these experiences made a significant contribution to the development of their human capital (Seet et al, 2018). Based on the analysis of extensive secondary data, Jayawarna et al (2014) found that human capital in childhood, adolescence and early adulthood was an important predictor of the likelihood that individuals would pursue a career in entrepreneurship.…”