On the feasibility of startup models as a framework for research on competence needs in software startups

Abstract

Background—Until recently, mainstream research on software engineering targeted software development in established companies. However, startup companies have become more important in developing new software-intensive products and services. Consequently, research focusing on software startups has emerged. Understanding competence needs during the evolution of a software startup company is crucial to its success. Competence needs are, however, a difficult topic to study because software startups are rapidly and constantly changing. Aim—This paper presents the preliminary results of our on-going research on competence needs in software startups, compares them to the startup models identified in the recent literature, and figures out the feasibility of the models as a research framework. Method—We interview key persons from nine software startup companies in three European countries. From the interview material, we identify characteristics of competence needs. We investigate the recent literature models created for software startups. We then compare our empirical findings to the models identified in the literature and conclude with the feasibility of the models as a framework for the future research. Result—The results of our preliminary study indicate a need for a new startup model that combines aspects of the existing models in order to get a comprehensive framework for the research of competence needs in software startups.