Panel research on early new venture development: Design and methodological insights

This paper provides an overview of common longitudinal data sets in new venture research and introduces the NVPN, a special panel for new venture research. It presents its contexts and features, and discusses ist challenges and potential. The panel contributes to closing a significant gap in previous panel research. This applies in particular to very young companies that are not required to register, as well as to those that are dedicated exclusively to full-time employment and those that have been established independently of other companies. This excludes part-time ventures and bogus self-employment, as well as firms that are economically dependent on parent companies. This approach avoids the distortions that often occur in other new venture data sets. To achieve this, the NVPN faces considerable challenges. It cannot be linked to government registers or statistics, but must conduct time-consuming surveys and invest considerable effort in maintaining and testing the panel. These experiences are are outlined and discussed in this article. In conclusion, this paper discusses the specific methodological challenges of new venture panels and presents possible solutions based on the experience gained in order to expand the state of knowledge and research in this regard.