| Abstract [eng] |
The development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies is fundamentally changing organizational operating models, innovation processes, and the competitive environment. Although startups are described in the literature as particularly dynamic and innovation-driven organizations, there is still a lack of integrated studies in scientific research that comprehensively analyze the expression of entrepreneurial competencies when implementing AI solutions in startup activities. This paper addresses this research gap by seeking to reveal how the entrepreneurial competencies of startup founders and managers change in the context of AI implementation. The aim of the study is to analyze and empirically evaluate the expression of entrepreneurial competencies in a startup organization when implementing AI solutions, based on the experiences of founders and managers. The theoretical part of the study examines the specifics of a startup as an innovation-based organization, the impact of AI technologies on organizational processes, and traditional entrepreneurial competencies identified based on the EntreComp system. The analysis showed that when implementing AI solutions, traditional entrepreneurial competencies—such as opportunity recognition, problem solving, creativity, planning, collaboration, and learning—take on new forms supplemented by technology. At the same time, competencies specific to the AI environment emerge, related to flexibility, technological creativity, and digital literacy. The empirical part consists of qualitative research – semi-structured interviews with eight founders and managers of Lithuanian start-ups. The research identified the main motives for implementing DI: process automation and improvement of customer experience. It was also found that traditional entrepreneurial competencies dominated before the implementation of AI, but in the AI environment, they are transforming into digital and hybrid forms, in which human-AI interaction, the ability to make technology-based decisions, critically assess the possibilities and limitations of AI, and manage technological risks become particularly important. The results of the study revealed that the implementation of AI is changing the structure of entrepreneurial competencies: traditional competencies do not disappear, but their expression moves to a digital environment that requires a broader understanding of technology, faster adaptation, and interdisciplinary thinking. In addition, founders and managers emphasize the need for new competencies—data literacy, AI solution evaluation skills, and certain personal qualities. The study suggests that entrepreneurial competencies in the context of AI are becoming hybrid in nature, combining traditional entrepreneurial knowledge and digital competencies, and that the successful implementation of AI in a startup organization depends on the ability to balance technology and human factors. The results of the study complement the theoretical discourse on the transformation of entrepreneurial competencies in the context of AI and provide practical insights for startup managers who are planning or implementing AI solutions in their organizations. |
