QUANTUM ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF QUANTUM COMPUTING ON GLOBAL STARTUP ECOSYSTEMS

Alfi Amalia

Abstract


Quantum computing has rapidly emerged as one of the most consequential technological frontiers of the current decade, with its potential to fundamentally transform competitive dynamics across global innovation ecosystems increasingly acknowledged in both scientific and policy communities. Despite this growing recognition, the intersection of quantum computing and entrepreneurship—herein conceptualized as quantum entrepreneurship—remains substantially undertheorized and empirically underexplored. This study investigates the impact of quantum computing advancements on the formation, growth, and competitive positioning of startups within global entrepreneurial ecosystems. Drawing on the Resource-Based View (RBV), Dynamic Capabilities Theory, and Schumpeterian innovation theory as integrative theoretical anchors, this research develops a comprehensive conceptual framework that links quantum computing readiness, ecosystem support infrastructure, venture capital quantum orientation, human capital development, and government policy enablement to startup performance outcomes. Employing a quantitative cross-sectional research design, primary data were collected from 387 startup founders, chief technology officers, and ecosystem managers across 18 countries through a structured and pre-validated survey instrument. Structural Equation Modeling with Partial Least Squares (SEM-PLS) was applied to test seven directional hypotheses. Results indicate that quantum computing readiness (beta = 0.41, p < .001), ecosystem infrastructure quality (beta = 0.33, p < .001), and quantum-oriented venture capital access (beta = 0.29, p < .01) are significant positive predictors of startup performance. Human capital development and government policy enablement demonstrate significant indirect effects through mediating innovation capability mechanisms. These findings contribute the first large-scale empirical foundation for the emerging field of quantum entrepreneurship, generating actionable insights for founders, investors, and policymakers. The study also identifies critical research gaps and proposes a future-oriented research agenda for this nascent but strategically pivotal field.


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.3059/insis.v0i0.29489

DOI (PDF): https://doi.org/10.3059/insis.v0i0.29489.g15068

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