Microsoft BizSpark in Portugal

: how to enhance entrepreneurship through the creation of shared value

Abstract

Over the years we have seen a growing awareness of consumers and investors concerning companies’ good practices. Corporate Social Responsibility has been gaining ground and has now become part of several companies’ strategic plan as a means of creating a win-win situation for themselves and for society through the creation of Shared Value. In this context, we thought it pertinent to introduce BizSpark, a global Microsoft’s three-year program that supports technological startups by providing them with free software and giving the opportunity to access a wide network of partners, through a case-study. The focus of this dissertation is on the impact of the BizSpark program in the Portuguese entrepreneurial environment and, consequently, the national competitiveness. With the BizSpark program, Microsoft is filling a gap in society, the lack of support to early-stage startups, and is simultaneously improving its competitive context. BizSpark plays a fundamental role in enhancing the entrepreneurship in Portugal once its helps startups to overcome one of their biggest barriers, the fear of failure. In order to be effective, the entire organization including leadership should be committed to implementing Shared Value.

Date of Award	22 Oct 2014
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Susana Frazão Ferreira Fernandes Pinheiro (Supervisor)