Bricolage–a systematic review, conceptualization, and research agenda

Abstract

The practice of bricolage, predominantly regarded as a strategy for innovation and overcoming constraints in resource-scarce environments, has garnered increased scholarly attention in recent years. This paper aims to consolidate the fragmented field by conducting a literature review of bricolage-focused research, offering an integrated perspective based on prior contributions. This serves to conceptualize and advance theory building on the subject, while simultaneously pinpointing gaps in the literature and proposing a roadmap for future research. A systematic literature review of 126 articles was carried out, utilizing the Web of Science as the primary data source. The focus was on clarifying the concept and its subtypes and examining common themes in existing literature to establish a cohesive conceptualization of bricolage. The primary finding is the conceptualization of a multi-level framework encompassing the who-when-how-what dimensions of bricolage, which can serve as a foundation for future research. Furthermore, we consolidate and present bricolage subtypes while questioning their utility in research and practice. Additionally, we analyse research trends over time and summarize the ongoing practical and conceptual discourse aimed at distinguishing bricolage from related, overlapping concepts. Finally, we provide recommendations for future research, facilitating the continued growth of the bricolage field in a harmonious manner.