Search Results (14)

This study examines the relationships among international gastronomic recognition, gastronomy tourism, gastronomic entrepreneurship, and perceived territorial development in Manabí, Ecuador, designated in 2025 as a World Region of Gastronomy 2026. A quantitative, cross-sectional, correlational design was employed using structured surveys administered to 312 stakeholders from the regional gastronomic ecosystem, including business owners, sector employees, tourists, and residents. Data were analyzed using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), including assessment of the measurement and structural models. All three predictors showed positive and statistically significant associations with perceived territorial development. Gastronomy tourism presented the numerically largest structural coefficient (β = 0.42), followed by international gastronomic recognition (β = 0.31) and gastronomic entrepreneurship (β = 0.27). The model explained 58% of the variance in perceived territorial development (R² = 0.58) and showed positive blindfolding-based predictive relevance (Q² = 0.31). The findings distinguish the complementary roles of tourism activation, symbolic recognition, and locally embedded entrepreneurial capacity in stakeholders’ territorial-development perceptions. The study extends evidence from an emerging Latin American gastronomic destination while recognizing the cross-sectional design, heterogeneous convenience sample, and perceptual nature of the measures. Full article

In order to address environmental challenges, higher education is required to promote competencies that support sustainable entrepreneurship. This study analyzes the relationship between green skills and sustainable entrepreneurial intentions among business students in Mexico. A quantitative, cross-sectional, and explanatory design was applied with a sample of 766 students from two higher education institutions in Hidalgo. Data were examined through partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results confirm positive and significant relationships between green skills and sustainable entrepreneurial intentions, progressing through four stages: green knowledge, mastery of green skills, use of green skills, and green skill development. The model reveals that 44.50% of green entrepreneurial intention is associated with green skills, indicating that students with stronger green competencies are more likely to pursue sustainable ventures. This study contributes to the literature by addressing a gap in the Latin American context and provides implications for educational institutions and policymakers to strengthen sustainability-oriented entrepreneurship. Full article

This systematic review based on PRISMA presents an analysis of 74 studies, conducted between 1889 and 2024, on the issue of digital technologies for the development of entrepreneurial skills of young people, with a focus on Latin America. The original review combines 44 regional and 30 international studies, examining mobile platforms, e-commerce, artificial intelligence, and immersive technologies. The results present a paradigm of innovation through constraint, with all successful adaptations driven by infrastructural limitations. As case studies, Latin American contexts have demonstrated the effectiveness of mobile technology and microlearning comparable to costly immersive technologies, completely contradicting deficit narratives. Seventy-eight percent of regional studies adhere systematically to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 4, 8, 10), illustrating an inclusive approach to technological development that values social impact over technical sophistication. Triangulation bibliometrics confirm the institutionalization of three research traditions—techno-deterministic, constructivist, and critical—with a focus on innovation–digital transformation–technological entrepreneurship. Studies show that contexts traditionally considered “limited” generate innovations with potential for reverse transfer to developed economies. The implementation gap between research and practice reflects systemic tensions between academic frameworks and contextual complexities. This will motivate fundamental justifications for implementing educational policies in ways that support contextual diversity as a strategic strength, fostering the sustainable development of youth entrepreneurial skills in the digital age. Full article

This study examines the relationship between fear of failure, entrepreneurial passion, and entrepreneurial self-efficacy among university business students from four emerging Latin American economies: Mexico, Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador. This research addresses the need to understand the psychological factors that influence entrepreneurship, particularly in developing economies. Using non-probability convenience sampling, surveys were distributed between June 2021 and August 2022, and 961 valid responses were obtained. Scales from renowned researchers were used, which were translated and semantically validated in Spanish to measure the three variables. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling with PLS. The overall results reveal that fear of failure negatively affects entrepreneurial passion, while entrepreneurial passion has a positive and significant relationship with entrepreneurial self-efficacy. Furthermore, entrepreneurial passion has a positive and significant relationship with fear of failure and entrepreneurial self-efficacy, with substantial differences between countries. Gender differences were also identified: in women, all relationships in the model were significant, while in men, the direct effect of fear of failure on entrepreneurial self-efficacy did not reach statistical significance. These findings contribute to the entrepreneurship literature by demonstrating that the relationship between these psychological variables varies by context (country) and gender, contradicting the notion of a universal effect. Full article

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in driving innovation, productivity, and economic growth, with universities emerging as key actors within entrepreneurial ecosystems. This study seeks to expand the understanding on the role of Latin American universities on entrepreneurial ecosystems by examining the case of alumni from Escuela Politécnica Nacional (EPN). Employing a mixed-methods approach, this research explores individual, organizational, and institutional dynamics within the Ecuadorian entrepreneurial ecosystem. Results indicate that universities like EPN nurture professional and technical capabilities but face institutional obstacles that restrict their capacity to foster knowledge-based, high-growth ventures. This study highlights several institutional-level barriers, including market dominance, limited access to formal financing, corruption, and complex regulations, that limit innovation. Thus, universities in the region play an important role in preparing potential entrepreneurs, yet their impact is ultimately restricted by contextual factors. To overcome these challenges, universities can strengthen their support by integrating entrepreneurship education, networking opportunities, early-stage venture experiences, and exposure to role models or success stories. Particularly in contexts like Ecuador, fostering self-efficacy, resilience, and opportunity recognition can boost entrepreneurial behavior. In addition, enhancing university–industry collaboration, encouraging business transparency, improving funding accessibility, and supporting knowledge-intensive businesses are essential steps to harness the full potential of universities in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Full article

Comprehensive social development requires the coordinated cooperation of various actors in society. The university, as a transformative institution of knowledge, must integrate strategies that contribute to well-being. In Latin American universities, gaps still persist in the implementation of programs that foster entrepreneurship and social innovation, as well as in the adoption of active learning methodologies. The objective of this research is to demonstrate the importance of participating in innovation programs and collaborating with external entities to achieve a positive impact on society. The proposed methodology is based on collaborative learning strategies, collaboration with actors, design thinking, and challenge-based learning focused on social issues. A feedback survey was applied to the students to measure their opinion on the program, soft skills, and social commitment; these data were analyzed through the Jamovi 2.3 program. The results indicated an 80% satisfaction rate. This experience could serve as a precedent for the implementation of similar programs. Furthermore, the students involved in the study demonstrated a strong willingness to continue participating in innovation initiatives aimed at addressing social challenges, contributing significantly to the social dimension of sustainability. Full article

Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (DEEs) are transforming the economic landscape through their integration of digital technologies, offering new opportunities for innovation and growth. This study explores the impact of DEEs on sustainable development, focusing specifically on Latin America. As DEEs continue to evolve, understanding their influence on economic, environmental, and social sustainability becomes crucial, particularly in a region characterized by significant developmental challenges. Utilizing a data panel from two different periods of analysis, from 2013 to 2017 and from 2018 to 2022, within the adapted DEE framework provided by the Global Entrepreneurship Development Institute (GEDI), we employ Principal Component Regression (PCR), Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR), and fuzzy-set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA 3.0) to analyze DEE components across 14 Latin American countries. These countries may not have the full spectrum of digital capabilities, yet they are still able to harness the digital elements they do possess effectively. This suggests that even partial digitalization, when strategically utilized, can lead to substantial gains in sustainable development. Additionally, Networking, Digital Protection, and Digital Tech Transfer are DEE components that present a higher magnitude in social, environmental, and economic development in Latin American countries. This study not only contributes to a deeper understanding of a DEE’s role in fostering sustainable development, but it also offers actionable insights for policymakers and entrepreneurs to leverage DEEs for broader societal benefits. The implications of the findings present perspectives under the existing literature, and the conclusion shows recommendations for future research and strategy development. Full article

This study aims to contribute to advancing the understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystems, Latin American development, and the evolution and future perspectives of the Middle East. It used a cross-sectional research design and quantitative data with 750 observations from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, specifically the National Experts Survey and the Adult Population Survey. The results were analyzed by the Partial Least Squares Technique (PLS-SEM) by grouping countries into two balanced samples of underexplored regions: the Middle East and Latin America. The two regions, Latin America and the Middle East, have diverse entrepreneurial ecosystems; each condition impacts entrepreneurial activities in different ways. In Latin America, the most significant variable is “Physical Infrastructure”, while in the Middle East, the most significant determinants are “Commercial and Professional Infrastructure” and “Entrepreneurship Culture”. This study shows that to support entrepreneurial activities, each region requires different settings for their entrepreneurial ecosystems. It contributes to the literature on regional entrepreneurial ecosystems and to less explored regions to advance our understanding, which will drive better policies and actions. Full article

While innovation is essential for sustainable development, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for more than 90% of firms in Latin America, face the challenge of benefiting systematically from innovation due to capability and negotiation asymmetries when compared with large organizations. In this context, open innovation holds promise to enable shared-value creation in terms of developing MSME capabilities, operations, and the organization of activities, especially when mediated and supported by public sector actors. It may also hold promise for the development of MSMEs when there is a lack of well-developed ecosystems with multiple central actors, as is the case in many less-developed Latin American countries, such as Nicaragua. Open innovation ecosystems support platforms that form the delivery vehicles for the offerings of firms, providing a framework of processes, rules, and policies for the purpose of co-creating value. These platforms also offer a development gateway for the participating MSMEs, impacting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) created by The United Nations. Despite the potential for open innovation and its application in entrepreneurship ecosystems, few cases document the essential elements for designing these supporting platforms. In this case study, we aim to provide a framework for mediated, shared-value open innovation platforms by applying design science and case study approaches. Our work contributes to the field of knowledge-based ecosystems and open innovation platforms and considers best practices that can be applied in similar contexts. Full article

The complexity of today’s world demands a shift in education from knowledge acquisition to competency development for students to effectively address profession-related challenges. In particular, there is a need for social entrepreneurs who can act as catalysts for change in complex environments. Understanding the elements that shape students’ perception of themselves as social entrepreneurs allows us to grasp their capacity as catalysts for transformative action. The main purpose of this research is to showcase the findings of a diagnostic investigation carried out on a group of Mexican university students, assessing their perceived proficiency in social entrepreneurship and its sub-competencies. The study examined whether age or discipline influenced the perception of entrepreneurship in 328 students. The results revealed that age and study discipline played a crucial role in shaping students’ perception of their competency achievement. Younger students tended to perceive their abilities better, while advanced semester students were more cautious in assessing their entrepreneurial competencies. The trend also extended to sub-competencies, with younger students tending to perceive their social skills positively, while older students focused more on practical knowledge such as the economic and administrative aspects of entrepreneurship. Students in business also tended to view their skills more positively compared to students in other disciplines. The findings highlight the need to promote women’s social entrepreneurship and emphasize the importance of considering these relevant elements that are crucial to the concrete reality of potential female entrepreneurs. The study has significant implications for policymakers, educators, and researchers interested in promoting social entrepreneurship among women, particularly in the Latin American context. Full article

MSMEs were facing major challenges driven by uncontrollable macro-environmental factors caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This paper shows the strategies that a sample of Colombian start-ups developed for their survival in the first months of the COVID-19 crisis and the close relationship between these strategies and the aid policies deployed by the Colombian government. This study involved 220 Colombian enterprises from different sectors of the economy (agriculture, commerce, services, and industry) and different stages of the life cycle. Our statistical analysis was based on a deep survey of highly significant rank correlation, the qualitative association between variables, a structural equation model, and mediation analysis. Among our results, we highlight a high dependence on ICT technologies, varied access to economic aid, and strong dependence on negative crisis impacts with the need for aid and deep business changes. Concerning the last conclusion, we found a significant mediating effect of the adaptability of the start-ups in order to explain why older, bigger, and more necessary enterprises were the ones that obtained aid. Full article

Competencies are behaviors that some people master better than others, which makes them more effective in a given situation. Considering that entrepreneurship translates into behaviors, the competency-based approach expresses attributes necessary in the generation of such behaviors with greater precision. By virtue of the dynamic and complicated nature of entrepreneurial phenomena and, especially, of the numerous data sets and variables that accompany the entrepreneur, it has become increasingly difficult to characterize it. In this study, we use predictive analysis from the machine learning approach (unsupervised learning) in order to determine if the individual is an entrepreneur, based on measures of 20 attributes of entrepreneurial competence relative to classification and ranking. We investigated this relationship using a sample of 6649 individuals from the Latin American context and a series of algorithms that include the following: logistic regression, principal component analysis, ranking and classification of data using the Ward method, linear discriminant analysis, and Gaussian regression among others. Full article

Latin America has suffered for many years deep economic, political, and social problems that have led to high levels of unemployment. Therefore, microentrepreneurship has been a way out of these precarious economic systems. This research presents an interpretative hermeneutic analysis of the meaning of work for microentrepreneurs in the metropolitan region of Lima, Peru. The qualitative naturalistic methodology was used and data were obtained through 24 interviews with microentrepreneurs according to inclusion criteria such as: located in the metropolitan region of Lima (divided into 4 regions: A, B, C, and D), more than 5 years of experience, more than 25 years of age, university level of study and having had a formal job. The data were processed through ATLAS.ti9, which allowed us to analyze the discourses of the microentrepreneurs. The main findings show the following emerging categories: Motivation for entrepreneurship, Advantages of self-employment, relationship with stakeholders or interest groups, and family involvement in the business. It is concluded that Latin American microentrepreneurs associate entrepreneurship as an opportunity to improve their quality of life and establish relationships with stakeholders, with the family playing a key role in the success or failure of the business. Full article

In the last two decades, social innovation (SI) and social entrepreneurship (SE) have gained relevance and interest within the framework of academia at international level. Higher education institutions (HEIs) are key players in promoting innovation and social entrepreneurship initiatives that respond to multifaceted challenges. They support strategies on the basis of the strengthening of participation, collaboration, and cooperation with society and its local communities. However, the approach of Latin American universities to SI and SE has been very uneven in the way they have understood them, integrated them into academic programmes, and transferred knowledge to society. On the basis of the experience of the Students4Change project, we sought to understand the role of Latin American HEIs in promoting social innovations by analysing the experiences of 10 participating universities to formalise a pedagogical programme on SI and SE in their institutions. The results suggest that there is still a need to formalise an academic syllabus that is specifically designed to promote social innovations and to train universities in this endeavour. This paper contributes to the identification of the main levers of change, strengths, and challenges that Latin American universities face to institutionalise SI and SE in their contexts. Full article