Managing robust development process for high-tech startups through multi-project learning: The case of two European start-ups

This paper explores the question of managing start-up development through a succession of exploration projects. Learning efficiency then appears a key success factor in this context. We propose theoretical insights as empirical material to understand the organizational mechanisms of such project-learning-based development in high-tech start-up context. On the theoretical side, we articulate three bodies of knowledge: project management, organizational learning, and entrepreneurship. The result is an analytical framework to characterize such development in term of multi-projects management and organizational settings.On the empirical side, we analyze two contrasted case studies. The discussion helps to provide patterns to diagnose maturity level and robustness of new ventures in their development.