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A special issue of Administrative Sciences (ISSN 2076-3387). This special issue belongs to the section "International Entrepreneurship".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 28268

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Dr. Kanayo Kingsley Ogujiuba

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Faculty of Economics, Development and Business Sciences, University of Mpumalanga, Mbombela 1200, South Africa
Interests: economic policy; entrepreneurship; public/social policy development
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Entrepreneurs are crucial to market economies because they may drive the nation's economic expansion. They encourage new employment by developing new goods and services, which eventually accelerates economic growth. Therefore, public policy that promotes entrepreneurship should be seen as crucial for economic progress. Entrepreneurship generates lots of new chances and jobs. A significant number of entry-level positions, which are crucial for transforming unskilled workers into competent ones, are created by entrepreneurship. Additionally, it trains and sends skilled personnel to big enterprises. The expansion of entrepreneurship is largely responsible for the rise in a nation's overall employment rate. Thus, entrepreneurship plays a major role in the creation of new employment prospects. Entrepreneurial endeavors increase productivity by introducing innovation to every facet of business, utilizing the available resources in the most efficient methods. By providing fresh and improved goods, services, and technology, entrepreneurs create new markets. As a result, they contribute to increasing national income and creating new wealth, so that more national benefits can be provided to the people by the government. Entrepreneurs lessen reliance on outdated practices, processes, and technology and alter or break social norms and cultures. In essence, entrepreneurs are the forerunners in introducing new technology and methods, which ultimately result in societal transformations and economic development. These adjustments are linked to a better way of living, charitable thinking, stronger morale, and better economic decision-making. In conclusion, encouraging and supporting entrepreneurship can have a favorable effect on the economy of the nation and even on already established enterprises, and this enhances the possibility of discovering innovative solutions to social difficulties faced by communities all over the world.

Therefore, the primary purpose of this Special Issue is to explore measures with which to further the link between entrepreneurship and economic growth for emerging economies. In other words, how should emerging and transitioning economies be empowered to sustain growth of entrepreneurial mindset and high levels of productivity? This Special Issue aims to broadcast recent empirical and theoretical research regarding the dynamics in entrepreneurship and economic growth that can guide policymakers in making appropriate policies. These might include (but is not limited to) the following topics:

Economic policies and SMEs regulation;
Economic growth via SME growth;
Entrepreneurial and managerial approaches;
Entrepreneurial finance;
Entrepreneurial/co-founder teams;
Internal and external drivers for entrepreneurial innovation;
Inhibitors and risks of entrepreneurial mindset;
Economics of entrepreneurship;
Social entrepreneurship

Dr. Kanayo Kingsley Ogujiuba
Guest Editor

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Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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14 pages, 1919 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring Entrepreneurship Education: Trends and Student Enrollment at a University of Technology

by Nontokozo Ngcobo, Ndivhuho Tshikovhi and Sibusiso Moyo

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(2), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15020048 - 7 Feb 2025

Viewed by 925

Abstract

Using educational data-mining (EDM) approaches, this study examines the evolution and efficacy of entrepreneurship education at Durban University of Technology (DUT) from 2010 to 2020. The student enrollment and performance data were analyzed using random forests (RFs) and support vector machines (SVMs). According to the findings, which are in line with DUT’s “Envision 2030” strategic plan, there has been noticeable growth in student enrollment and the addition of new entrepreneurship modules since 2017. According to the study, the RF fared better in terms of predictive accuracy than the SVM did, indicating the value of EDM approaches in predicting trends in education. The findings validate DUT’s strategic objectives and indicate areas for further investigation that might include more variables and examine the effects of outside influences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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23 pages, 5269 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond the Bottom Line: The Role of Personal Characteristics in Healthcare Entrepreneurship

by Eliza Ciobanu and Oana Bărbulescu

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15010028 - 15 Jan 2025

Viewed by 960

Abstract

This study fills a crucial gap by offering fresh insights into healthcare entrepreneurs’ characteristics and decision-making, enriching the understanding of entrepreneurial behavior. Employing a mixed-methods approach, by combining qualitative and quantitative data, the researchers examined how factors such as age, gender, education, number of children, marital status, and house ownership influence business orientation. Utilizing both quantitative data, collected through surveys, and statistical analyses, conducted in EViews 12, data drawn from 113 Romanian medical start-ups revealed that marital status was a significant determinant, with single individuals exhibiting a profit-centric approach, while couples or married entrepreneurs prioritize patient well-being. Also, the lower the sense of ownership, the lower the number of co-founders there was in the start-up. The motivation of entrepreneurs involved in start-ups with more than two co-founders, is based on the motivation behind a problem that directly affected the entrepreneurs themselves. An unexpected result was found regarding the healthcare entrepreneurs that perceive failure more due to lack of funding than competition, especially in profit-focused ventures, shaping their decision-making. To shape managerial implications, the authors depicted the swim lane decision-making process diagram based on these insights. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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20 pages, 2121 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Towards Inclusive Entrepreneurship: Addressing Constraining and Contributing Factors for Women Entrepreneurs in South Africa

by Patrick Ebong Ebewo, Cecile Schultz and Mphoreng Magdeline Mmako

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15010014 - 2 Jan 2025

Viewed by 1457

Abstract

Women entrepreneurs are increasingly recognised as pivotal contributors to economic growth, poverty alleviation, and employment generation, particularly in developing economies like South Africa. This study explores the contributing and constraining factors that shape the future of women’s entrepreneurship in South Africa through the lens of Institutional Theory. Using a qualitative methodology, in-depth interviews were conducted with nine (9) women entrepreneurs affiliated with a Centre for Entrepreneurship Development. The findings highlight key enabling factors, such as mentorship, education, supportive policies, collaboration, and government intervention programmes, which equip women entrepreneurs with the skills, networks, and resources needed to thrive. However, significant barriers persist, including financial exclusion, societal norms, ineffective policies, and psychological constraints such as low entrepreneurial self-efficacy. The study concludes that aligning institutional support across the regulatory, normative, and cultural-cognitive dimensions is essential for fostering an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. Recommendations include simplifying access to funding, expanding mentorship opportunities, and addressing systemic cultural and policy barriers to create a more equitable and supportive environment for women entrepreneurs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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25 pages, 2530 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Unpacking the Entrepreneurship Education Conundrum: Lecturer Competency, Curriculum, and Pedagogy

by Chux Gervase Iwu, Eugine Tafadzwa Maziriri, Lucky Sibanda and Tendai Makwara

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(1), 2; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15010002 - 24 Dec 2024

Viewed by 1280

Abstract

This qualitative study explores the complex landscape of entrepreneurship education by focusing on lecturer competency, entrepreneurship curriculum, and pedagogy. This study addresses critical gaps in the current literature by investigating key questions: ideal instructional approaches for entrepreneurship, essential components of the curriculum, providers of entrepreneurial knowledge, and overarching strategies to foster entrepreneurship in higher education. Employing the Gioia methodology, this research adopted a qualitative inductive approach by collecting data from 14 participants actively engaged in entrepreneurship education and development across various South African universities. The findings highlight the diverse perspectives of academics and underscore the importance of collaborative and interactive teaching methods in preparing students for entrepreneurial challenges. This research contributes valuable insights to inform policy and practice in enhancing entrepreneurship education within South African higher education institutions (HEIs). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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16 pages, 425 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Perceived Macro Environment on the Competitiveness of Internationalized Medium-Sized and Large Enterprises

by Miklós Stocker and Ádám Erdélyi

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(6), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14060116 - 31 May 2024

Viewed by 2450

Abstract

Firm competitiveness is a crucial trait of companies which managers strive to improve, and even policy makers focus on it regarding economic development. As companies are embedded into different layers of the environment, this study aims to identify the influence of top managerial perception about the external environment on the firm-level competitiveness of medium-sized and large internationalized companies. The investigation is based on the 6th round of the Competitiveness Survey conducted in Hungary between October 2018 and July 2019 from which n = 107 medium-sized or large companies qualified for this study. The institution-based view from the strategic management literature was chosen to differentiate the variables in the macroeconomic environment of the firm while the FCI index was used to measure firm-level competitiveness. After conducting factor and regression analyses, the results show that the perceived macro environment is positively related to the competitiveness of internationalized medium-sized and large companies. Managerial perceptions on civil service and education had the strongest significant positive association with firm-level competitiveness, whereas perceptions on social and ecological expectations had a significant positive association with the Adaptivity of the firm. This study contributes to the existing body of literature by demonstrating that, even within contentious institutional contexts, the perceptions of internationalized medium and large companies’ top managers regarding education, civil service, and social and ecological expectations have a discernible influence on the competitiveness of these companies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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21 pages, 1057 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Agro-Investments among Small Farm Business Entrepreneurs in the Era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: A Case in the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

by Mzwakhe Nkosi, Azikiwe Isaac Agholor and Oluwasogo David Olorunfemi

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(5), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14050085 - 25 Apr 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2419

Abstract

Agro-investment in the fourth industrial revolution will be an imperative driving factor and a sacrosanct enabler for small farm business entrepreneurs to participate holistically in the agricultural economic value chain. Investing in advanced technology and entrepreneurship has the potential to promote business modernization and improve the productivity and profitability of farm businesses. This study assessed agro-investments in small farm business entrepreneurs in the era of the fourth industrial revolution in Mpumalanga province, South Africa. The study objectives were precisely to determine the perception of small farm business entrepreneurs on agro-investment and examine the impact of agro-investment for small farm business entrepreneurs in the fourth industrial revolution. The questionnaire used in this study employed structured and semi-structured questions for data collection, and an aggregate of 235 participants were randomly selected. The results on perception indicate that small farm business entrepreneurs mostly perceive agro-investment in the fourth industrial revolution as not suitable for small farm business conditions; this may be attributed to modern agricultural implements being predominantly manufactured in accordance with commercial sector specifications. The results from the binary logistic regression analysis on the perception of small farm business entrepreneurs in the fourth industrial revolution revealed that gender (P-value = 0.031), level of education (P-value = 0.04), farm size (P-value = 0.048), farming skills and knowledge (P-value = 0.027), farm productivity (P-value = 0.059) and investment opportunities (P-value = 0.057) were significant and influence the perception of small farm business entrepreneurs. The mean and standard deviation were used to assess the degree of severity of impact. From the results, sources of investment, technology, market participation, economic benefits, and government interventions were discovered to be impactful on agro-investment for small farm business entrepreneurs. The key contributions of agro-investments among small farm business entrepreneurs in the technological era embody catalyzed rural development, a diversified inclusive rural economy, and competitive participation in the agricultural food value chain. Another crucial contribution of the study is unlocking and accentuating the potential and opportunities that investors, technology designers, and manufacturers can exploit in small farm business agro-investments. This paper identifies and recommends that the South African government ought to create enabling environments for agricultural investment activities to thrive, especially among small farm business entrepreneurs, thereby providing grant funding and training, and enabling public-private stakeholder linkages. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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13 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Using the Case Study Method in Undergraduate Entrepreneurship Education

by Mazanai Musara

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(4), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14040060 - 22 Mar 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2694

Abstract

Various methods are used in entrepreneurship education. However, the effectiveness of these methods in inculcating the much-needed improvement in entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, intentions, and ultimately entrepreneurial activity is underexplored in literature. Following the action research approach in an undergraduate entrepreneurship class of 165 students, the study investigated the students’ perceptions of the case method’s effectiveness in improving their entrepreneurial knowledge, skills, intentions, and ultimately entrepreneurial activity. A combination of observation methods and semi-structured interviews were used to collect qualitative data. Observation data revealed a lack of physical space for facilitator mobility and low levels of engagement by students as some of the major challenges encountered when implementing the case study method in large classes. An analysis of semi-structured interview data revealed contextual relevance, building resilience, critical thinking, innovation and creativity, entrepreneurial motivation, entrepreneurial career development, and inspiration as some of the effective contributions of using the case study method in entrepreneurship education. The study recommends that, to further enhance the effectiveness of the case study method, the environment in which case studies are applied needs to be improved to ensure that there is enough physical space for lecturer mobility and interaction with students during case-study discussions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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20 pages, 609 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Social Innovation and Social Entrepreneurship: Uncovering Themes, Trends, and Discourse

by Carlos Sampaio and João Renato Sebastião

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14030053 - 11 Mar 2024

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 8307

Abstract

The world is marked by persistent and recurring socio-economic and environmental changes. The domains of social innovation and social entrepreneurship have gained prominence as catalysts for positive change and societal resilience. Despite the substantial body of literature assessing social innovation and social entrepreneurship, most studies address these topics through analyses of scientific production output or through systematic literature reviews. Conversely, the main objective of this paper is to conduct a thematic analysis of the existing scientific literature on social innovation and social entrepreneurship, published across various geographical contexts, to assess themes, trends, and discourse within these fields worldwide. Therefore, it synthesizes, analyzes, and evaluates the evolving landscape of social innovation and social entrepreneurship research over time, employing a sliding windows methodology. This approach divides the analyzed period into distinct times to meticulously track changes in themes and discourse over time. To accomplish this objective, this paper examines the evolving thematic dynamics of social innovation and social entrepreneurship within the scientific literature, serving as a driver and compelling researchers and practitioners to explore new dimensions in social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Evidence from the analysis is discussed, including the main theoretical and practical implications and proposals for future research. This paper emphasizes the importance of adaptive and resilient approaches within the domains of social innovation and social entrepreneurship and contributes to a deeper understanding of how social innovation and social entrepreneurship evolve and adapt over time, shedding light on the transformative potential of social innovation and social entrepreneurship. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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22 pages, 327 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluating Inspiring Factors and Obstacles in the Start-Up of Owned Agri-Preneurial Businesses: Underlying Evidence from South Africa

by Isaac Azikiwe Agholor, Ataharul Chowdhury and Ebenezer Olamide

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14030047 - 4 Mar 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2457

Abstract

Contemporary economies worldwide appreciate the underlying importance of service sectors, culminating in sectorial growth and satisfactory performance of agri-preneurship. This study is premised on two simple explanations that cascaded into two hypothetical questions: (i) Are there inspiring factors for individuals to start up their own agri-preneurship business? (ii) Are there factors hindering individuals from starting up their own agri-preneurship business? These two hypothetical constructs triggered four primary arguments established in the study. This study was conducted in Mbombela local Municipality in category ‘B’, which is made up of the Ehlanzeni District, Mpumalanga South Africa. From a population of 1021 farmers, 458 samples of respondents were obtained and considered to be realistic for the study. The study embraced the mixed research approach, and the field survey was done between the months of February 2022 and June 2022. Descriptive statistics, involving the frequency count and percentages, were used to determine the motives and obstacles of starting up one’s own business. The hypothesis was assessed by employing multinominal logistic regression to determine the relationship between demographic variables and predictor variables. The findings revealed that potential agri-preneurs are affected by an array of inspiring factors in the decision-making process. Further, the results revealed that agri-preneurial spirit is inhibited by numerous challenges. In the shared view of respondents, there was a portmanteau of obstacles impeding the commencement of one’s own business. The results also showed that, in the self-realization variant, age (p < 0.035) and marital status (p < 0.033) were found to be correlated and statistically significant as an inspiration for setting up an agri-preneurship business, while the self-satisfaction variant specified marital status (p < 0.001) to be significant and to negatively (β −1.564) influence inspiration for agri-preneurship. In the independence variant category, two crucial variables, level of formal education (p < 0.005) and farm experience (p < 0.007), were found to be correlated and statistically significant in determining agri-preneurial decisions. This study has several policy propositions: the government and allied stakeholders must consider the motives that inspire potential investors in agriculture. The government must also oversee the reasons for young and old agri-preneurs leaving agri-businesses because of failure. This study underscores the need to subjectively analyze agri-preneurial inspiring factors and obstacles to performance. The contributions of agri-preneurial businesses to economic growth and poverty alleviation justify the need for a concerted effort to motivate potential investors. Another pertinent contribution of the study is highlighting the obstacles of agri-preneurs to enable the government to support and prepare responsive, innovative, and resilient agri-preneurs in South Africa. This paper recommends that starting up one’s own agri-preneurial business is a good idea for abating hunger and unemployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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26 pages, 3294 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Intersection of Business Models and SME Performance: A Bibliometric Analysis of Research Trends

by Mpilwenhle Nomvuyo Ndlovu, Elona Nobukhosi Ndlovu and Patrick Ebong Ebewo

Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(4), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15040143 - 16 Apr 2025

Viewed by 856

Abstract

This study presents a systematic bibliometric analysis to identify trends and gaps in research on SME business models and SME performance, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines. A comprehensive search of the Scopus database (1957–2025) identified 85,494 initial records. After removing duplicates and applying screening criteria, 307 studies were included, with only 22 specifically focused on SME performance. The PRISMA flow diagram illustrates the study selection process. The findings reveal three key research themes: digitalisation, business model innovation, and sustainability. The study contributes to the literature by providing a structured bibliometric analysis of SME business model research, highlighting geographic disparities, theoretical gaps, and underexplored areas, such as the role of institutional factors in SME performance. This imbalance highlights the need for broader geographical representation in future studies. This study emphasises the importance of further research on adaptive and resilient SME business models, particularly in emerging markets. It also recommends greater collaboration across disciplines to advance theoretical and practical insights in this field. By applying a systematic approach, this study provides a structured overview of the current literature and identifies areas requiring further investigation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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20 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessReview

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Investment in Boosting South Africa’s Economic Growth: A Comparative Analysis across Different Administrations

by Dikeledi Semenya and Kanayo Ogujiuba

Adm. Sci. 2024, 14(8), 173; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci14080173 - 12 Aug 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2927

Abstract

South Africa’s economic growth has been slow since the 1980s due to inefficiencies in the manufacturing, mining and quarrying, ICT, electricity, gas, and water sectors. This article uses the theoretical framework and growth rates to identify key reasons for this slowdown. Key issues include inefficiencies within the gross fixed capital formation (GFCF) and inadequate infrastructure, primarily due to government behavior. This article used secondary data to perform the desktop analysis. To promote economic growth, the South African government and allied stakeholders should consider increasing investments in public infrastructure and financing research and development. This article argues that economic growth is driven by government expenditure, easy access to financing, and technological advancements. To promote economic growth, a comprehensive approach is needed, including tax breaks, loan guarantees, and pro-business legislation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)

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