This chapter presents a continuation of research, which began in 2011, investigating hidden champions (HCs) in Slovakia(Táborecká-Petrovičová, et al., 2013, Táborecká-Petrovičová, et al., 2021). Over 12 years, the research was carried out in three phases. The chapter aims to reflect on the essential findings and changes in the business environment in the context of previous research and key parameters originated by Hermann Simon (1992). Central to HCs’ success is their commitment to innovation, with significant investments in digitalization that maintain their growth and foreign expansion. Their intense focus on innovation ensures that HCs remain competitive and meet specific customer needs. Two case studies are presented in this chapter, i.e., Gevorkyan j.s.c. as an identified HC and FOSALI Ltd. as a potential HC. Both are family-run companies, focusing on the niche markets of powder metallurgy and led customized lighting systems, respectively. These companies enabled a deeper analysis of their market leadership, competitive advantage, and management and leadership development needs. Their innovative products, customer-centered approach, and their founders’ visionary leadership have been identified in their business stories. Despite being traditionally conservative in finance and operations, there is a growing need for these companies to embrace sustainable growth and integrate social values and non-profit activities into their business practices, such as collaboration with educational institutions and communities. Hidden champions of Slovakia serve as best practice examples for stamina and dedication in entrepreneurship.

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Hidden Champions of Slovakia

  • Lenka Theodoulides,
  • Janka Táborecká

摘要

This chapter presents a continuation of research, which began in 2011, investigating hidden champions (HCs) in Slovakia(Táborecká-Petrovičová, et al., 2013, Táborecká-Petrovičová, et al., 2021). Over 12 years, the research was carried out in three phases. The chapter aims to reflect on the essential findings and changes in the business environment in the context of previous research and key parameters originated by Hermann Simon (1992). Central to HCs’ success is their commitment to innovation, with significant investments in digitalization that maintain their growth and foreign expansion. Their intense focus on innovation ensures that HCs remain competitive and meet specific customer needs. Two case studies are presented in this chapter, i.e., Gevorkyan j.s.c. as an identified HC and FOSALI Ltd. as a potential HC. Both are family-run companies, focusing on the niche markets of powder metallurgy and led customized lighting systems, respectively. These companies enabled a deeper analysis of their market leadership, competitive advantage, and management and leadership development needs. Their innovative products, customer-centered approach, and their founders’ visionary leadership have been identified in their business stories. Despite being traditionally conservative in finance and operations, there is a growing need for these companies to embrace sustainable growth and integrate social values and non-profit activities into their business practices, such as collaboration with educational institutions and communities. Hidden champions of Slovakia serve as best practice examples for stamina and dedication in entrepreneurship.