Craft and strategic entrepreneurship: Exploring and exploiting materiality, authenticity, and tradition in craft-based ventures

Research Summary: This work explores the intersection of strategic entrepreneurship and craft-based ventures, focusing on the integration of materiality, authenticity, and tradition in the creation of competitive advantage. Craft, historically rooted in artisanal, small-scale production, has evolved into “advanced craft,” requiring high expertise while also engaging with modern economic goals such as scaling, technological adoption, and global value chains. Craft-based strategic entrepreneurship embraces creativity and innovation, alongside traditional values and high-quality production, to engage with the modern economy without the alienating effects of industrialization. We highlight how craft entrepreneurs balance the pursuit of innovation with the preservation of authenticity and heritage. By examining the materiality, authenticity, and tradition embedded in craft, our work contributes to the understanding of how these elements influence competitive advantage and the broader relationship between economy and society in entrepreneurial ventures. Managerial Summary: We offer practical insights for owners and managers in craft-based ventures seeking to balance tradition with modern business strategies. As the craft sector evolves into “advanced craft,” entrepreneurs must integrate artisanal expertise with scalable operations, technology adoption, and global market engagement. We highlight how successful craft ventures maintain high quality, authenticity, and cultural heritage while embracing strategic entrepreneurship practices like innovation, planning, and partnerships with larger organizations. For owners and managers, the key takeaway is the importance of preserving the unique values of craftsmanship—such as materiality, authenticity, and tradition—while also adopting modern tools like advanced technology and marketing strategies to scale and compete. By understanding these dynamics, craft-based businesses can enhance their competitive advantage, foster meaningful customer engagement, and navigate challenges like technological disruption and market expansion without losing their core identity.