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Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends
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Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Practice in Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 1 August 2025 | Viewed by 13402

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Karin Širec

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: entrepreneurship; small business management; women’s entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship education and training; business growth; inclusive entrepreneurship; youth entrepreneurship
Dr. Katja Crnogaj

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial ecosystem; entrepreneurship policy; inclusive entrepreneurship; small business management and economics; youth entrepreneurship; theory of the firm

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The special issue “Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends” aims to explore the increasingly complex world of entrepreneurship through the multifaceted lens of systems thinking. Rooted in the foundational theories of Ludwig von Bertalanffy and Norbert Wiener, and extended by scholars such as Barry Richmond and Peter Senge, systems thinking provides an integrative framework essential for understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurial ventures in the modern, digitally transformed global landscape. This Special Issue of Systems explores the intersection of systems thinking and entrepreneurship, highlighting its relevance across several dimensions such as entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation and technology, policy and regulatory frameworks, education, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. The intersection of systems thinking and entrepreneurship is fertile ground for academic exploration and offers insights that could shape the future of business practices and policy decisions. This Special Issue aims to contribute to both academic discourse and practical applications in entrepreneurship. We welcome scholars and practitioners to contribute their research and insights to enrich the understanding of the complex, interconnected world of entrepreneurship.

We invite submissions that cover various dimensions of systems thinking in entrepreneurship, including but not limited to:

  • Historical context and theoretical foundations: Exploration of the origins and evolution of systems theory and its application in entrepreneurship, tracing back to Ludwig von Bertalanffy and Norbert Wiener.
  • Modern context and emerging trends: Analysis of how systems thinking aids entrepreneurs in addressing contemporary challenges like sustainability, the sharing economy, and technological advancements.
  • Entrepreneurial ecosystems: Understanding systemic interactions and interdependencies in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
  • Innovation and technology: Insights into how technological advances influence and are influenced by broader systemic factors in entrepreneurship.
  • Policy and regulatory frameworks: Examining the impact of policy and regulatory frameworks on entrepreneurial activities.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches and data utilization: Encouragement of interdisciplinary research that employs diverse data sources to deepen our understanding of entrepreneurial systems.
  • Entrepreneurial education: Insights into the influence of systems thinking on entrepreneurial education and policy, with a focus on global practices and innovations.
  • Critical perspectives: Examination of the limitations and challenges of applying systems thinking in entrepreneurial contexts.

Prof. Dr. Karin Širec
Dr. Katja Crnogaj
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • systems thinking
  • entrepreneurship
  • globalization
  • digital transformation
  • innovation and technology
  • entrepreneurial ecosystem
  • policy and regulation
  • sustainability

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

19 pages, 507 KiB  
Article
Unravelling the Motivational Dynamics of Established Entrepreneurs: A Systems Perspective
by Karin Širec, Nataša Šarlija and Katja Crnogaj
Systems 2025, 13(5), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13050307 - 23 Apr 2025
Viewed by 363
Abstract
The question of what motivates entrepreneurs to maintain and grow their ventures beyond the startup phase remains an underexplored aspect of entrepreneurship research. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM (2023), this study examines four key entrepreneurial motivations among 103 established Croatian [...] Read more.
The question of what motivates entrepreneurs to maintain and grow their ventures beyond the startup phase remains an underexplored aspect of entrepreneurship research. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM (2023), this study examines four key entrepreneurial motivations among 103 established Croatian entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world, building great wealth or a very high income, continuing a family tradition, and earning a living. Employing a multivariate multiple regression approach, we analyze how sociodemographic factors, opportunity perception, fear of failure, media influences, and sustainability-oriented mindsets (e.g., UN SDG awareness) influence these diverse motivations. Findings reveal distinct motivational patterns: socially responsible mindsets and awareness of the SDGs primarily drive the aspiration to “make a difference”, while age, perceived opportunities, and fear of failure reinforce the pursuit of wealth. Media narratives uniquely influence the intent to “continue a family tradition”, while necessity-driven motives—linked to fear of failure and lower growth ambitions—predominate among those aiming simply to “earn a living”. By applying a systems thinking approach, this research illustrates how interdependent factors create distinct motivational clusters, and it highlights the importance of tailored policies and support programs for established entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth. It contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on entrepreneurship, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and advisors working to foster resilient and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends)
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21 pages, 661 KiB  
Article
Addressing 21st Century Competencies Challenges Through Project-Based Entrepreneurial Learning: A Systemic Approach
by Elena-Aurelia Botezat, Anca-Otilia Dodescu, Adriana-Florina Borza and Ioana-Crina Pop-Cohuţ
Systems 2025, 13(3), 178; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems13030178 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 737
Abstract
Today’s globalized economic system and the growing competition for human talent worldwide will test university graduates’ competencies to perform jobs that do not yet exist. Positioned as a catalyst for project-based entrepreneurial learning, Business Plan Competitions (BPCs) serve as a valuable learning experience [...] Read more.
Today’s globalized economic system and the growing competition for human talent worldwide will test university graduates’ competencies to perform jobs that do not yet exist. Positioned as a catalyst for project-based entrepreneurial learning, Business Plan Competitions (BPCs) serve as a valuable learning experience that effectively prepares students for the interrelated systems of the 21st century, which are complementary and contradictory. The research objective was to evaluate key factors that enhance BPC participants’ competency utilization and overall success by exploring winners and non-winners’ cognitive abilities, personal traits, and occupational interests. Statistically significant results were found for Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Emotional stability, and General learning ability, with higher averages observed among winners. Additionally, alongside General learning ability, Social interest emerged as predictors of performance in the BPC. Our study advances knowledge in entrepreneurial education research by applying systems thinking to foster its efficacy, with a competency development focus. The results can practically guide educators and policymakers in designing and implementing improved project-based entrepreneurial education programs. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends)
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17 pages, 759 KiB  
Article
Balance or Combine? Ambidextrous Innovation Strategy Selection of International Entrepreneurial-Oriented Enterprises in China
by Jinshan Zhang, Tingshu Sun and Tingting Yang
Systems 2024, 12(6), 207; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12060207 - 13 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1476
Abstract
This study examines how ambidextrous balanced innovation and ambidextrous combined innovation affect international entrepreneurial-oriented enterprise growth within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking and discusses the systemic impact of industry international competitiveness and industry financing dependence. We select the unbalanced panel data of [...] Read more.
This study examines how ambidextrous balanced innovation and ambidextrous combined innovation affect international entrepreneurial-oriented enterprise growth within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking and discusses the systemic impact of industry international competitiveness and industry financing dependence. We select the unbalanced panel data of China’s ICT industry international enterprises from 2010 to 2021 for empirical research, and we employ the fixed effect model for testing. The empirical results indicate that both ambidextrous balanced innovation and ambidextrous combined innovation promote international entrepreneurial-oriented enterprise growth, that the industry’s international competitiveness positively moderates the relationship between ambidextrous balanced innovation and international entrepreneurial-oriented enterprise growth, and that the industry’s financing dependence negatively moderates the relationship between ambidextrous balanced innovation and international entrepreneurial-oriented enterprise growth. The aforementioned conclusion is robust against a series of robustness tests. This study expands the theoretical research on international entrepreneurship and ambidextrous innovation strategy selection and may help in the selection of ambidextrous innovation strategies for international entrepreneurial-oriented enterprises. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends)
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24 pages, 609 KiB  
Article
Navigating Gender Nuances: Assessing the Impact of AI on Employee Engagement in Slovenian Entrepreneurship
by Maja Rožman and Polona Tominc
Systems 2024, 12(5), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050145 - 24 Apr 2024
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2551
Abstract
Background: Our research delved into exploring various selected facets of AI-driven employee engagement, from the gender perspective, among Slovenian entrepreneurs. Methods: This research is based on a random sample of 326 large enterprises and SMEs in Slovenia, with an entrepreneur completing a questionnaire [...] Read more.
Background: Our research delved into exploring various selected facets of AI-driven employee engagement, from the gender perspective, among Slovenian entrepreneurs. Methods: This research is based on a random sample of 326 large enterprises and SMEs in Slovenia, with an entrepreneur completing a questionnaire in each enterprise. Results: Findings suggest that there are no significant differences between male and female entrepreneurs in Slovenia regarding various aspects of AI-supported entrepreneurial management practice including the following: AI-supported entrepreneurial culture, AI-enhanced leadership, adopting AI to reduce employee workload, and incorporating AI tools into work processes. The widespread integration of AI into entrepreneurship marks a transition to a business landscape that values inclusivity and equity, measuring success through creativity, strategic technology deployment, and leadership qualities, rather than relying on gender-based advantages or limitations. Our research also focused on the identification of gender differences in path coefficients regarding the impact of the four previously mentioned aspects of AI on employee engagement. While both genders see the value in using AI to alleviate employee workload, the path coefficients indicate that female entrepreneurs report higher effectiveness in this area, suggesting differences in the implementation of AI-integrated strategies or tool selection. Male entrepreneurs, on the other hand, appear to integrate AI tools into their work processes more extensively, particularly in areas requiring predictive analytics and project scheduling. This suggests a more technical application of AI in their enterprises. Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding gender-specific approaches to AI in enterprises and their subsequent effects on employee engagement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends)
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26 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Business Practices and the Role of Digital Technologies: A Cross-Regional Analysis
by Samuel Plečko and Barbara Bradač Hojnik
Systems 2024, 12(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12030097 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6436
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable practices within enterprises against the backdrop of global transformative forces framed within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking. It examines the extent to which digital advances either facilitate or impede the sustainable development [...] Read more.
This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable practices within enterprises against the backdrop of global transformative forces framed within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking. It examines the extent to which digital advances either facilitate or impede the sustainable development of companies, while also considering the systemic impact of demographic variables (such as gender, age, education), national income levels, and geographical regions on business sustainability. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which encompasses 26,790 entrepreneurs in 47 countries, this research uses multinomial regression to assess how these factors influence companies’ commitment to social and environmental goals. A key finding is that the strategic use of digital technologies in sales processes significantly increases the likelihood that entrepreneurs will integrate social and environmental considerations into their decision-making. Notably, this conscientious approach to business is most prevalent among entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our findings underscore the central role of digital technologies in driving sustainable business transformation while also highlighting the significant influence of regional socio-environmental contexts on business sustainability orientations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends)
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