PLATFORM INNOVATION THROUGH DIGITAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP: EXAMINING THE ROLE OF AGILE GOVERNANCE IN GLOBAL UNICORN COMPANIES

Abstract

The rapid scaling of unicorn companies necessitates novel governance approaches that balance growth imperatives with innovation sustainability. This research examines how digital entrepreneurship drives platform innovation through agile governance mechanisms in global unicorn companies. Employing a mixed-methods design, the study analyzes 87 unicorns across the United States, Europe, and India, combining panel data analysis (2019-2024) with comparative case studies of 12 companies. Data sources include proprietary databases, 52 C-suite interviews, and innovation metrics from patent filings and product launches. Findings demonstrate that agile governance moderates the digital entrepreneurship-innovation relationship. Companies adopting agile governance achieve 45% higher innovation output and 38% better resource efficiency. The analysis reveals three distinct governance configurations: adaptive orchestration (Silicon Valley model), collaborative networks (European model), and rapid scaling (Indian model), each producing differential innovation outcomes. Unicorns with strong digital entrepreneurial orientation and agile governance show 3.2 times higher valuation growth and 56% more successful product diversification. Longitudinal analysis indicates that governance agility becomes increasingly critical as companies scale, explaining 61% of sustained innovation performance variance post-unicorn status. This research contributes to organizational theory by conceptualizing agile governance as a distinct capability that enables platform enterprises to maintain entrepreneurial dynamism while managing complexity, offering actionable frameworks for high-growth digital ventures.