In my final semester of the Siviløkonom program, I worked as a research assistant on a project led by Professor Andreas Wald at the Handelshøyskolen ved UiA. The study examined Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Resources Used by European Born Global Firms, focusing on how these firms leverage resources to support rapid global growth from inception.
My main responsibility in the project was data collection and its initial assessment. We set an ambitious target of securing over 150 responses from top executives of Born Global firms across Europe, using Qualtrics as our data-gathering platform. The survey aimed to capture insights from executives whose firms have engaged intensively in international activities since their start-up phase, evaluating their satisfaction with business outcomes like sales growth, ROI, and brand reputation while addressing challenges such as geographic and regulatory costs. It also explored the role of ecosystem actors—such as facilitators, investors, and industry partners—in supporting early-stage development and examined strategies for selecting and managing international partnerships. Additionally, the survey assessed respondents’ professionalism and adaptability within network collaborations, focusing on flexibility, reliability, and responsiveness to emerging opportunities.
The data collection went beyond simply reaching out to firms as it required careful identification of hundreds of relevant companies across Europe. This involved organising and structuring the process cautiously to ensure efficiency and maintain a clear overview throughout. The response gathering took longer than expected due to the low response rate from top executives. To encourage participation, we emphasized the value of the research and offered a workshop and summary of findings.
In the later stages of the project, two master’s students from the International Business program joined to delve deeper into one specific topic of study for their thesis, guided by their supervisor. My role then extended to onboarding these students, introducing them to the project’s objectives, and guiding them through the data collection process, including sample identification and outreach. I also provided support as they navigated the challenges in the research setting.
This experience taught me a great deal about project organisation, the nuances of data collection in real-world research, and the importance of clear, structured communication in academic collaborations. I would highly recommend that students participate in research projects, as they offer growth and learning opportunities under the guidance of experienced professors.