{"id":379,"date":"2023-09-01T18:54:05","date_gmt":"2023-09-01T16:54:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/research.dii.unipd.it\/me\/?page_id=379"},"modified":"2025-11-25T19:24:36","modified_gmt":"2025-11-25T18:24:36","slug":"scent-research","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/research.dii.unipd.it\/me\/scent-research\/","title":{"rendered":"SCENT Research"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"SCENT<\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div>

The School of Entrepreneurship is active on a number of initatives related to startups, early stage entrepreneurship, investments, social entrepreneurship<\/span>.<\/span><\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>
<\/i> <\/div>
TECH-BASED STARTUPS<\/h5>

Our research goes deeply into the complicated dynamics that are essential in tech-based startups. Our aim is to offer tech entrepreneurs with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the unique challenges of the fast-evolving tech industry.<\/p><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/div>
EQUITY INVESTORS DECISION-MAKING<\/h5>

Investor support is critical to the growth of tech-based startups. Our research focuses on understanding the heuristics, biases, and techniques used by equity investors when evaluating potential investment opportunities. Our objective is to provide insights into how entrepreneurs may better position their companies for funding, as well as how investors can improve their decision-making process.<\/p><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/div>
DATA-SCIENCE METHODS IN ENTREPRENEURSHIP<\/h5>

The new emerging resources in the data mining domain offer new opportunities for research in entrepreneurship. Our research primarily focuses on leveraging big data, machine learning, and predictive analytics to gain insights into entrepreneurial trends, patterns, and opportunities. Throughout our research activities we explore the potential of emerging data-driven approaches.<\/p><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

<\/i><\/div>
BUSINESS MODELS FOR SUSTAINABILITY<\/h5>

The pursuit of sustainability is not just an environmental imperative but also a significant business opportunity. We are deeply interested in how enterprises can integrate sustainable practices into their core strategies. We study business models that prioritize environmental and social responsibility alongside profitability.<\/p><\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div>

JOURNAL ARTICLES<\/a><\/h5> <\/div> <\/div>
CONFERENCE PAPERS<\/a><\/h5> <\/div> <\/div>
PHD \ufeffDISSERTATIONS<\/a><\/h5> <\/div> <\/div>
RESEARCH REPORTS<\/a><\/h5> <\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

Publications in leading Journals<\/span><\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>

Woldeyes, T. D., Muffatto, M. & Ferrati, F. (2025). Emerging Business Model Archetypes in the Circular Economy: A Systematic Literature Review. Sustainable Development, 33(3), 4428-4456.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati, F., Kim, P. H. & Muffatto, M. (2024). Generative AI in Entrepreneurship Research: Principles and Practical Guidance for Intelligence Augmentation. Foundations and Trends\u00ae in Entrepreneurship, 20(3), 245-383. http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1561\/0300000121<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Bekele, N. A., Muffatto, M. & Ferrati, F. (2024). Desirability of consumer internet of things products: how emerging businesses address consumer desires to improve user experiences. International Journal of Technology Marketing, 18(1), 34-61.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati, F. & Muffatto, M. (2021). Entrepreneurial Finance: Emerging Approaches Using Machine Learning and Big Data. Foundations and Trends\u00ae in Entrepreneurship: Vol. 17: No. 3, pp 232-329. http:\/\/dx.doi.org\/10.1561\/0300000099<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati, F. & Muffatto, M. (2021). Reviewing Equity Investors\u2019 Funding Criteria: A Comprehensive Classification and Research Agenda. Venture Capital: Vol. 23: No. 2, pp. 1-22.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M., Raza, A., Ferrati, F. & Sheriff, M. (2021). The role of third mission orientation and motivational characteristics in young scientists\u2019 entrepreneurial intention. Industry and Higher Education. December 2021.<\/span><\/h4>Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Raza A., Saeed S., Yousafzai S., Shahid M.U. & Muffatto M. (2020). Institutional adversity, external knowledge sources, and new ventures\u2019 innovation: An institutional polycentrism theory perspective. Industrial Marketing Management.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Mohsen K., Saeed S., Raza A., Omar S. & Muffatto M. (2020). \u201cDoes using latest technologies impact new venture innovation? A contingency-based view of institutional environments\u201d Journal of Small Business Management, 1-35.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Salinas, A., Ortiz, C. & Muffatto, M. (2019). Business regulation, rule of law and formal entrepreneurship: evidence from developing\u201d countries. Journal of Entrepreneurship and Public Policy, Vol. 8 No. 2, pp. 254-271.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff M. & Muffatto M. (2019). University spin-offs: a new framework integrating enablers, stakeholders and results. International Journal of Innovation and Technology Management 16 (02).<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Raza A., Muffatto M. & Saeed S. (2019). The influence of formal institutions on the relationship between entrepreneurial readiness and entrepreneurial behaviour. Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development, Vol. 26 No. 1, pp. 133-157.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Salinas A., Muffatto M. & Alvarado R. (2018). Informal institutions and informal entrepreneurial activity: New panel data evidence from Latin American countries. Academy of Entrepreneurship Journal, Vol 24 Issue 4.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A. Muffatto, M. & Saeed, S. (2018). Cross-country differences in innovative entrepreneurial activity: An entrepreneurial cognitive view. Management Decision, ISSN: 0025-1747.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff M. & Muffatto M. (2018). High-tech entrepreneurial ecosystems: using a complex adaptive systems framework. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Vol.22, No.6.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff M., Muffatto M. & Cooper S. (2016). Measuring entrepreneurship environments in Africa: challenges in using international reports. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Vol.20, N.1-2. Pages 20-44.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Yousafzai, S., Saeed, S. & Muffatto, M. (2015). Institutional Theory and Contextual Embeddedness of Women\u2019s Entrepreneurial Leadership: Evidence from 92 Countries. Journal of Small Business Management, Volume 53, Issue 3, pages 587\u2013604.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Saeed, S., Yousafzai, S., Yani-de-Soriano, M. & Muffatto, M. (2015). The Role of Perceived University Support in the Formation of Students\u2019 Entrepreneurial Intention. Journal of Small Business Management, Vol. 53, Issue 4, pp. 1127\u20131145.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff, M. & Muffatto, M. (2015). The present state of entrepreneurship ecosystems in selected countries in Africa. African Journal of Economic and Management Studies. ISSN: 20140-0705 , Vol. 6 Issue: 1, pp.17\u201354.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Saeed, S., Muffatto, M. & Yousafzai, S. (2014). A Multi-level Study of Entrepreneurship Education among Pakistani University Students. Entrepreneurship Research Journal., 4 (3). pp. 297-321.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M. & Saaed, S. (2014). Editorial: Young and Innovative Entrepreneurship. In Muffatto M., and Saeed S. (Guest Editors) Special Issue on Young and Innovative Entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, ISSN: 1741-5098, Vol. 18 No. 2\/3.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff, M. & Muffatto, M. (2014). Reviewing existing policies for unleashing and fostering entrepreneurship in selected African countries. Journal of Developmental Entrepreneurship, Volume 19, Issue 03.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Saaed, S., Muffatto, M. & Yousafzai, S. (2014). Exploring inter-generational influence on entrepreneurial intention: The mediating role of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management. ISSN: 1741-5098, 18 (2\/3).<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Saadat S., Muffatto M., & Yousafzai S. (2014). A Multi-level Study of Entrepreneurship Education among Pakistani University Students. Entrepreneurship Research Journal, Berlin: de Gruyter, ISSN 2157-5665, ZDB-ID 26293110. \u2013 Vol. 4 (3). pp. 297-321.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto M. & Saadat S. (Guest Editors) (2014). Special Issue on Young and Innovative Entrepreneurship. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management, Vol. 18 No. 2\/3.<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saaed, S., Muffatto, M. & Yousafzai, S. (2014). Exploring inter-generational influence on entrepreneurial intention: the mediating role of perceived desirability and perceived feasibility. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

Publication in Conference Proceedings<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati, F. & Muffatto, M. (2025). Optimizing Startup Team Composition: A Generative AI and Genetic Algorithm\u2013Based Approach. In 20th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (p. 234).<\/span>\n
https:\/\/doi.org\/10.34190\/ecie.20.1.3864<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati, F., Kim, P. H. & Muffatto, M. (2023). Patterns of Successful Founding Team Composition and Funding Outcomes. 18th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Porto, Portugal, September 21-22\/2023 Vol. 18 (No. 1) doi: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.34190\/ecie.18.1.1803<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Woldeyes, T. D., Muffatto, M. & Ferrati, F. (2023). Analyzing Emerging Circular Economy Business Models in the E-waste Sector Through the Business Model Canvas. In IFIP International Conference on Advances in Production Management Systems (pp. 43-57). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. doi: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1007\/978-3-031-43688-8_4<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Woldeyes, T. D., Muffatto, M. & Ferrati, F. (2023). A Value Proposition Analysis of Emerging Circular Economy Business Models in the WEEE Sector. 18th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Porto, Portugal, September 21-22\/2023 Vol. 18 (No. 1) doi: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.34190\/ecie.18.1.1803<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Woldeyes T.D., Muffatto M. & Ferrati F. (2022). Emerging Business Models for Circular Economy: A Systematic Literature Review. 17th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Pafos, Cyprus, September 15-16\/2022 Vol. 17 (No. 1) doi: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.34190\/ecie.17.1.442<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Woldeyes T.D., Muffatto M. & Ferrati F. (2022). Archetypes of Business Models for Circular Economy: A Classification Approach and Value Perspective. 9th International Conference on Sustainable Design and Manufacturing, Split, Croatia (September 14-16, 2022)<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati F. & Muffatto M. (2021). A Deep Learning Model for Startups Evaluation Using Time Series Analysis. 16th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE), Lisbon, Portugal (September 16-17, 2021)<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati F. & Muffatto M. (2021). Startup Exits by Acquisition: A Cross Industry Analysis of Speed and Funding. 16th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE), Lisbon, Portugal (September 16-17, 2021)<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Bekele, N. A., Muffatto, M. & Ferrati, F. (2021). Value-Based Frameworks in Consumer Internet of Things (CIoTs): A Systematic Literature Review. In 22nd European Conference on Knowledge Management (ECKM 2021) (pp. 46-53).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Negalegn A., Muffatto M. & Ferrati F. (2021). Value-Based Framework Development for Consumer Internet of Things (CIoTs): A Design Thinking Approach. 16th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE), Lisbon, Portugal (September 16-17, 2021)<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati F. & Muffatto M. (2020). Setting Crunchbase for Data Science: Preprocessing, Data Integration and Feature Engineering. 3rd International Conference on Advanced Research Methods and Analytics (CARMA), Valencia, Spain (July 8 \u2013 9, 2020).<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati F. & Muffatto M. (2020). Using Crunchbase for research in Entrepreneurship: data content and structure. 19th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies (ECRM), Aveiro, Portugal (18-19 June 2020).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati F. & Muffatto M. (2019). A Systematic Literature Review of the Assessment Criteria Applied by Equity Investors. 14th European Conference on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ECIE), Kalamata, Greece (19-20 September).<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Saeed S., Shahid U., Raza A. & Muffatto M. (2019). Public vs. Private Advice Networks and International Opportunity Discovery. Academy of Management Proceedings NY 10510-8020, USA.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff M. & Muffatto M. (2018). Enhancing entrepreneurship for social change in the Euro-Mediterranean Region: Evidence from the UNIDO e4SC program. Sinergie-SIMA Conference Transformative business strategies and new patterns for value creation, 14-15 June \u2013 Ca\u2019 Foscari University Venice (Italy).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saeed S., Raza A. & Muffatto M. (2017). Entrepreneurial Cognitions and Innovative Entrepreneuriship: Moderating Role of Societal Context. Academy of Management Proceedings NY 10510-8020, USA.<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M. & Saeed, S. (2017). Entrepreneurial Readiness: Moderating Role of Gender and Cultural Practices on Entrepreneurial Entry. International Council for Small Business (ICSB), Buenos Aires, Argentina (29 June \u2013 2 July).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saeed, S., Raza, A. & Muffatto, M. (2017). Entrepreneurial Cognitions and Innovative Entrepreneurship: Moderating Role of Societal Context. 77th Annual Meeting, Academy of Management (AOM), Georgia, USA (4th \u2013 8th August).<\/span><\/h4> Link to the publication<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M. & Saeed, S. (2017). Individual Resources in the Context of Gender Gap and Female Innovative Entrepreneurial Leadership. Entrepreneurship Education Conference European Council for Small Business (ECSB) Cork, Ireland (10\u201312 May).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M & Saeed, S. (2017). A 26 years Literature Review of National-Level Institutions: From Informal Institutions to Formal Institutions in Entrepreneurial Behaviour. The 6th Annual Conference of Economic Forum of Entrepreneurship & International Business, University of Oxford, United Kingdom (28\u201330 January).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M & Saeed, S. (2016). Human Capital and Entrepreneurship: Role of Cultural Practices. British Academy of Management Conference, Newcastle University Business School, United Kingdom (6\u20138 September).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M. & Saeed, S. (2016). Entrepreneurial Cognitions and Innovative Entrepreneurial Entry: Moderating Role of Societal Context. 30th Annual Conference, British Academy of Management (BAM), Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK (6-8 September).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M. & Saeed, S. (2016). Entrepreneurial Cognitions and Innovative Entrepreneurial Entry: Moderating Role of Macroeconomic Context. 61th Annual World Conference, International Council for Small Business (ICSB), United Nations and Stevens Institute of Technology, New York and New Jersey, USA (15-18 June).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Raza, A., Muffatto, M. & Saeed, S. (2015). Opportunity Feasibility Importance in Country Level Entrepreneurial Institutions and Entrepreneurial Activity. 3rd DREAMT-CYFE Doctoral and Young Researcher Workshop, University of Bergamo, Italy (12-13 May).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saaed, S., Muffatto, M. & Yousafzai, S. (2013). A Multi-Level Study On Entrepreneurship Education Among Pakistani University Students. 5th South Asian International Conference, CIIT, Pakistan (4\u20136 December).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saeed, S. & Muffatto, M. (2013). Entrepreneurial Role of University in the Formation of Entrepreneurial Intention: A Multi-Level Perspective. Entrepreneurship, innovation and the engine of growth, RSA AiIG, Milan, Italy (17-18 October).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saeed, S. & Muffatto, M. (2012). Conceptualizing Role of University Orientation: Graduate-Entrepreneurial Intention. International Symposium on Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Venice, Italy (23-25 May).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saeed, S. & Muffatto, M. (2012). Exploring Entrepreneurial Intentions- Role of Entrepreneurial Training and Role Model: An Perspective from Italy. 15th McGill International Entrepreneurship Conference, University of Pavia, Italy, (21-23 September).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

PhD Dissertations<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>

Ferrati Francesco, \u201cA Machine Learning Approach to the Assessment of Equity Investments in Technology-Based Startups\u201d. Doctoral School of Management Engineering and Real Estate Appraisal, Universit\u00e0 degli Studi di Padova, (Supervisor: Prof. Muffatto Moreno).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Raza Ali, \u201cCross Country Entrepreneurial Development: Role of Cultural Practices and Macroeconomic Contingencies in Entrepreneurial Behaviour\u201d. Doctoral School of Management Engineering and Real Estate Appraisal, Universit\u00e0 degli Studi di Padova, (Supervisor: Prof. Muffatto Moreno).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Salinas Aponte Aldo Marlon, \u201cUnderstanding the relationship between institutions and formal and informal entrepreneurial activity: The case of Latin American countries\u201d. Doctoral School of Management Engineering and Real Estate Appraisal, Universit\u00e0 degli Studi di Padova, (Supervisor: Prof. Muffatto Moreno).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Saeed Saadat, \u201cIndividual Level Capabilities and Entrepreneurial Intention: The Contingent role of Institutional and Organizational Context\u201d, Doctoral School of Management Engineering and Real Estate Appraisal, Universit\u00e0 degli Studi di Padova, (Supervisor: Prof. Muffatto Moreno).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Sheriff Michael, \u201cSustainable Entrepreneurial Economic Growth in Africa\u201d, Doctoral School of Management Engineering and Real Estate Appraisal, Universit\u00e0 degli Studi di Padova, (Supervisor: Prof. Muffatto Moreno).<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

Reports<\/h2> <\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M. & Ferrati, F. (2016). Startup Investor Monitor Italy. University of Padova.<\/span><\/h4> DOWNLOAD<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M., Sheriff, M., Ferrati, F., Raza, A. & Saeed, S. (2016). Italian Startup Monitor. University of Padova.<\/span><\/h4> DOWNLOAD<\/a><\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M., Sheriff, M. & Saeed, S. (2015). Innovative Startup\u2019s in Italy. University of Padova.<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto M., Garengo, P., Iacobucci, D., Micozzi, A., Sheriff, M. & Saeed, S. (2014). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report Italy. University of Padova.<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M., Garengo, P., Iacobucci, D., Micozzi, A. & Saeed, S. (2013). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report Italy. University of Padova.<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div>

Muffatto, M., Giacon, P. & Saeed, S. (2012). Global Entrepreneurship Monitor Report Italy. University of Padova.<\/span><\/h4> <\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div><\/div>

Contact us<\/h2>

For more information about SCENT projects, research activities and educational programs, please send us an email<\/p> info@scentproject.org<\/a><\/div> <\/div><\/div> <\/div>

\n