Ben Kiely

The aims of this research are to explore the roles, implementation, and combined academic and managerial potentials by combining ambidextrous and adaptive strategy formulation process in sustainable business scaling. Scaling or replication strategies are seen as delivering proven models or constructs that deliver beyond growth on a repeated basis to diversified consumer basis and locations to avail of macroeconomic benefits with long-term effects such as economies of scale, innovation, mindset shifts, and transformations on processes and resources (Woltering et al., 2019; Sánchez Rodrígues et al., 2020; Breaugh et al., 2021; Battista et al., 2021; Ja et al., 2021; Bohan et al., 2024.). This research utilises elements of strategy, entrepreneurship, business scaling, and business model canvases to try and understand, from an organisational perspective, what are the antecedents (drivers), processes, and outcomes to transition from a growing to a scaling business. While many researchers previously referenced the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) definition, which stipulates at least a 20% annual growth in revenue or employees over three consecutive years, the OECD has since refined this definition the refined definition states that "scalers are firms that meet the 10% yearly growth requirement, while those growing at 20% or more per annum over a triennium are termed high-growth firms or high-growth scalers" (Eurostat & OECD, 2007; OECD, 2021). However, this definition has faced criticism from researchers with arguments for a more conceptual definition, including the measures and definitions that complicate comparative studies (Tippmann et al., 2023; Lange et al., 2023). The research will construct case studies on enterprises based on the Atlantic Corridor in Ireland, North and South (Limerick to Derry), as part of a research package provided by Atlantic Futures, this research will examine the strategic processes that model a scaling journey, through the lenses of adaptive, ambidextrous, and entrepreneurial modelling and strategy. By examining the journey of an entrepreneur and a product/ business model, we can see that while there are many approaches and conceptual models across all the disciplines to consider, case study research is something that has been used (See Yin, all versions) but it has been on the topics of entrepreneurship and management, rather than a subfield. By integrating elements of case study research in an easy-to-understand practical format, it can be understood by those who are both entrepreneurial, supporting entrepreneurs, and teaching entrepreneurship (Yin, 2003; Osterwalder et al., 2005, 2010; Osterwalder and Euchner, 2019).

Our research will provide valuable insights for businesses across the island of Ireland by offering detailed case studies of successful scaling ventures. Understanding the specific challenges and opportunities of scaling in the Western region will equip businesses with tailored growth strategies, enhancing their competitiveness and fostering sustainable development within the local economy.

Keen to get involved or find out more? Register your interest - https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=h5QLb6hPqEKutL8uLCL… Atlantic Futures is funded by the Higher Education Authority as part of the North South Research Programme.