Search Results (362)

Understanding the entrepreneurial profile is essential for developing effective regional policies that promote business growth. The path of an entrepreneur is shaped not only by individual decisions but also by the inherent risks of managing a business. This study aims to identify the characteristics of entrepreneurs at the regional level, specifically highlighting the impact of accumulated experience in their fields. Our central hypothesis asserts that entrepreneurial experience significantly influences how business owners perceive and respond to economic challenges. Utilizing survey data from 120 entrepreneurs in Romania’s Center Region (a NUTS 2 area), we reveal that entrepreneurial experience profoundly affects perceptions of key business challenges, such as legislative instability, taxation predictability, governmental support strategies, and access to SME financing. Importantly, our findings demonstrate that entrepreneurs with less than 10 years of experience express greater concerns about these challenges compared to their more seasoned peers. This novel insight highlights the need for tailored policy interventions aimed at enhancing regional economic resilience and fostering entrepreneurial sustainability. By addressing the specific needs of less experienced entrepreneurs, our study contributes to a deeper understanding of how experience shapes business dynamics in the region. Full article

Rural areas around the world are increasingly dealing with energy and environmental challenges. These challenges are particularly acute in developing countries, where persistent reliance on traditional energy sources—such as wood fuel—intersects with concerns about forest conservation and energy sustainability. While wood fuel use is often portrayed as unsustainable, it is important to acknowledge that much of it remains ecologically viable and socially embedded. This study explores the role of rural entrepreneurs in shaping low-carbon transitions at the intersection of household energy practices and environmental stewardship. Fieldwork was carried out in four rural Zambian communities in 2016 and complemented by 2024 follow-up reports. It examines the connections between household energy choices, greenhouse gas emissions, and forest resource dynamics. Findings reveal that over 60% of rural households rely on charcoal for cooking, with associated emissions estimated between 80 and 150 kg CO₂ per household per month. Although this is significantly lower than the average per capita carbon footprint in industrialized countries, such emissions are primarily biogenic in nature. While rural communities contribute minimally to global climate change, their practices have significant local environmental consequences. This study draws attention to the structural constraints as well as emerging opportunities within Zambia’s rural energy economy. It positions rural entrepreneurs not merely as policy recipients but as active agents of innovation, environmental monitoring, and participatory resource governance. A model is proposed to support sustainable rural energy transitions by aligning forest management with context-sensitive emissions strategies. Full article

Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are vital drivers of economic growth in Kenya, yet they face persistent barriers, including limited capacity, financial exclusion, and weak market integration. This study assessed the potential of universities as strategic hubs for MSME capacity building through a collaborative initiative between Egerton University and the KCB Foundation. Using the International Labour Organization’s Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) methodology, 481 entrepreneurs from Egerton, Njoro, and Gilgil were trained in a business development bootcamp. This study evaluated the training effectiveness, participant demographics, confidence in skill application, networking outcomes, and satisfaction levels. The results showed high participant confidence (over 95% across all regions), strong financial management uptake (85%), and mobile banking adoption (70%). Gilgil led in inclusivity and peer engagement, while Njoro showed stronger gender representation. However, logistical challenges caused 25% absenteeism in rural areas, and only 23% accessed post-training mentorship. These findings underscore the transformative role of HEIs in fostering sustainable entrepreneurship through localized, inclusive, and industry-aligned training. Policy recommendations include hybrid delivery models, tiered curricula for diverse skill levels, and institutionalized mentorship through public–private partnerships. This case demonstrates the value of embedding entrepreneurship support within university mandates to advance national MSME development agendas. Full article

In the context of accelerating digital transformation and growing sustainability imperatives, entrepreneurial ecosystems increasingly rely on open innovation and strategic collaboration to foster resilient, knowledge-driven growth. This study aims to examine how leadership behaviors and strategic alliances interact as enablers of sustainable innovation across macro (systemic), meso (organizational), and micro (individual) levels. To achieve this, this study employs a literature review, supported by bibliometric analysis, as its core methodological approach. Drawing on 86 influential publications from 1992 to 2024, two major thematic streams emerge: leadership dynamics in entrepreneurial settings and the formation and governance of strategic alliances as vehicles for innovation. The findings underscore the pivotal role of transformational and ethical leadership in cultivating trust-based inter-organizational relationships, facilitating digital knowledge sharing, and catalyzing sustainable value creation. Simultaneously, strategic alliances enhance organizational agility and innovation capacity through co-creation mechanisms, digital platforms, and crowdsourcing, especially in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This paper highlights a mutually reinforcing relationship: effective leadership strategies empower alliances, while alliance participation enhances leadership capabilities through experiential learning in diverse, digitalized environments. By bridging leadership theory, open innovation practices, and digital transformation, this study offers critical insights for entrepreneurs, managers, and policymakers seeking to drive inclusive and sustainable innovation within interconnected global markets. Therefore, this study provides practical guidance for business leaders aiming to strengthen alliance performance through adaptive leadership and for policymakers seeking to foster innovation ecosystems through supportive regulatory and institutional frameworks. Full article

This paper extends the resource-based view (RBV) of social entrepreneurship by introducing artificial intelligence (AI) as a dynamic, integrative capability that enhances the acquisition and optimization of four foundational forms of capital: human, social, political, and financial. While social ventures have long faced constraints in scaling impact due to resource limitations and institutional barriers, AI technologies—such as predictive analytics, machine learning, and natural language processing—offer new pathways for improving operational efficiency, stakeholder engagement, advocacy strategies, and financial sustainability. Through the development of a conceptual model and a series of theoretical propositions, this study positions AI as a transformative force that not only strengthens individual resource domains but also enables synergistic feedback loops across them. In doing so, the paper contributes to emerging debates on technology adoption in hybrid organizations, scalability in resource-constrained contexts, and the evolution of strategic management theory in the digital age. Practical implications are outlined for social entrepreneurs, policymakers, and funders seeking to responsibly integrate AI into social impact ecosystems, and future research directions are proposed to empirically test the framework across sectors and global settings. Full article

Community enterprises play an essential role in advancing sustainable development; however, limited strategic frameworks impede their ability to integrate economic, social, and environmental objectives effectively. This study explores the strategic roles undertaken by community enterprise entrepreneurs to address this gap. Adopting a mixed-methods design, this research integrates qualitative data from in-depth interviews and participatory observations with quantitative analysis based on 215 standardized survey responses. The findings reveal consistent emphasis on five critical strategic roles: vision and goal-setting, resource management, networking and collaboration, innovation leadership, and strategic leadership, with mean ratings between 4.45 and 4.54 on a five-point Likert scale. Qualitative insights further illuminate how entrepreneurs leverage these strategies to optimize resources, foster cross-sector partnerships, drive innovation, and strengthen organizational resilience. Policy recommendations include enhancing infrastructure, developing entrepreneurial capacity, and promoting multi-sectoral ecosystems to support community enterprises. This study contributes to the theoretical discourse by proposing a five-dimensional strategic entrepreneurship model for sustainable community development, offering practical guidelines for policymakers and entrepreneurs seeking to foster resilient, inclusive, and sustainable local economies. Full article

In today’s evolving society, meaningful development cannot be fully realized without acknowledging the vital role of the electronics sector, especially as it functions within informal markets. These markets have become more than just centers of commerce; they serve as informal learning grounds where many young people acquire entrepreneurial skills, develop resilience, and find alternatives to social vices. For many, informal entrepreneurship is not just an option but a means of survival and self-empowerment. Despite their growing relevance, the link between the entrepreneurial abilities nurtured in these informal markets and actual business performance has not been adequately examined. This study, therefore, aimed to explore how informal electronics entrepreneurs in a developing economy navigate their environment, overcome challenges, and create wealth through vision, innovation, and calculated risk-taking. Anchored in institutional theory, the research employed a qualitative approach, using cluster, purposive, and simple random sampling to select participants from key informal business units. Interviews were conducted, transcribed, and analyzed using QSR NVivo 12, allowing for deep insight into the lived experiences of the entrepreneurs. Findings revealed that 78% of participants emphasized practical suggestions that aid informal business survival, such as customer-driven innovations, adaptive strategies, and avoiding confrontations with regulatory agencies. Key attributes such as foresight, adaptability, and risk management accounted for 66% of the variance in corporate success. Strategic and innovative approaches are enabling informal firms to endure and prosper, since 61% of respondents associated these competencies with organizational success. The new BSP framework, which integrates institutional and contingency theories, illustrates how informal enterprises endure by conforming to or opposing institutional pressures and adjusting to environmental changes. The results indicate that, when properly understood and supported, the informal electronics sector may develop sustainably. This study demonstrates that informal entrepreneurship is influenced by formal regulations, informal norms, and local enforcement mechanisms, therefore enhancing institutional theory and elucidating business behavior in developing nations. The Business Survival Paradigm [BSP] illustrates how informal enterprises navigate institutional obstacles to endure. It advocates for policies that integrate the official and informal sectors while fostering sustainable development. The paper advocates for ongoing market research to assist informal firms in remaining up-to-date. It implores authorities to acknowledge the innovative potential of the informal sector and to provide supportive frameworks for sustainable growth and formal transition where feasible. Full article

Field mapping is one of the most important aspects of precision agriculture, and community drones will be able to empower young rural entrepreneurs who will be the generational replacement of a new agrosocial paradigm. This research presents an agroecological participatory innovation methodology that utilizes precision technology through geographic information systems and unmanned aerial vehicles to evaluate the integrated ecological management of weeds for glyphosate substitution in a transitional area of Citrus sinensis in San Luis Potosí, Mexico. Modeling methods and spatial analyses supported by intelligent georeference protocols were used to determine the number of weeds with tolerance and glyphosate resistance. Four control flights were conducted to monitor seven treatments. Glyphosate-resistant weeds were represented with the highest number of individuals and frequency in all experimental treatments. Although the treatment with maize stubble showed a slightly better result than the use of Mucuna pruriens mulch, which prevents the emergence of glyphosate resistant weeds before emergence, the second treatment is considered better in terms of the cost–benefit ratio, not only because of significantly lower cost but also because of the additional benefits it offers. Geospatial technologies will determine the nature of citrus and fruit tree agroecological treatments and highlight areas of the plot with binomial soil and plant nutrient deficiencies and pest and disease infestations, which will improve the timely application of bio-inputs through the development of accurate maps of agroecological transitions. Full article

This study investigates how displaced women entrepreneurs in Ethiopia’s fragile institutional environment apply effectuation principles to sustain their businesses. Through analysis of five effectuation dimensions, we find that while affordable loss strategies and means orientation enhance business resilience, traditional effectuation approaches like partnership formation and rigid control mechanisms often prove ineffective in displacement contexts. This research makes three key contributions: first, it extends effectuation theory by identifying how institutional fragility fundamentally alters the utility of entrepreneurial strategies; second, it reveals displaced women’s innovative adaptations through informal networks and risk-minimising approaches; and third, it challenges universal applications of effectuation principles in crisis settings. This study contributes to sustainable entrepreneurship by demonstrating both the relevance and constraints of effectuation theory in crisis-affected environments. It underscores the importance of flexible, resourceful strategies for women entrepreneurs navigating systemic challenges, offering insights for policymakers and support organisations. Practical implications include designing capacity-building programmes that promote adaptive strategies, such as risk management and resource optimisation, while addressing the challenges of partnerships and rigid control mechanisms. By aligning with the goals of sustainable development, this research not only highlights the potential of effectuation principles but also unravels their limitations, providing a nuanced understanding of how entrepreneurial strategies can foster resilient livelihoods and sustainable economic practices in crisis-affected regions. Full article

The aim of the present research is to analyze community participation in disaster risk management due to tailings dam failures (DRM-TDF). Conceição do Mato Dentro, Minas Gerais State (Brazil) was used as case study. The aims of the study are to help developing more effective DRM-TDF strategies and to strengthen community participation in decision making, and in mapping and categorizing vulnerabilities (criticality and support capacity) by assessing current practices and prioritizing future strategies. Semi-structured questionnaires were applied to community leaders and open interviews were carried out with DRM experts for information collection purpose. The collected responses were categorized based on vulnerabilities by taking into account criticality (communities) and support capacity (public management and mining entrepreneurs). SWOT analysis identified “Weaknesses” (criticality) and “Threats” (support capacity), whereas Pareto analysis highlighted the most critical aspects. The results indicate that public policies and the Brazilian legal framework have made limited contributions toward achieving the Sendai Framework guidelines and the Sustainable Development Goals. A review of current practices is necessary to safeguard the rights of affected communities through their meaningful participation in decision-making processes. Full article

Micro- and small-sized enterprises (MSEs) play a key role in developing emerging countries’ economies. However, concerns remain about their resilience and continuity, especially during periods of conflict and crisis. To address this gap, this research explores key factors that enhance adaptive capacity (AC) and entrepreneurial resilience (ER) amongst MSEs. Data were collected from 301 micro- and small-sized entrepreneurs operating different business activities using an online questionnaire and on-site visits. Partial least squares–structural equation modeling was employed to analyze the data. Findings revealed that crisis management preparedness (CMP) and customer-centric adaptation (CCA) positively and significantly influence AC, which, in turn, positively affects ER. In addition, CMP and CCA directly influence ER. Moreover, AC partially mediates the relationship between CMP, CCA, and ER. This study offers significant practical and theoretical implications for policymakers in making strategic action plans. Full article

Financial and administrative management models are crucial to the success of digital ventures, providing practices that optimize resource management and support strategic decision-making in dynamic digital environments. This study presents an original systematic literature review (SLR) following the PRISMA guidelines, analyzing 354 articles extracted from Scopus and Web of Science databases. Bibliometric techniques, including VOSViewer 1.6.19 version and R-Bibliometrix software 4.3.3 version, were used to identify key research themes, emerging trends, and future directions in the field. A notable 114.29% increase in academic output from 2019 to 2024 underscores the growing importance of these management models. The analysis reveals a focus on financial management tools (e.g., Valuation, Discounted Cash Flow models) and administrative models (e.g., RocaSalvatella, INCIPY), while also exploring the challenges and opportunities present in digital environments. The interaction between external variables (resource management, operational efficiency, adaptability, financial planning, technological innovation) and internal variables (market conditions, government regulations, economic trends) is discussed. This study highlights the integration of agile methodologies, such as Lean Startup, and the growing emphasis on digital resilience, organizational agility, and the impact of digital transformation on business models. The theoretical contribution of this study lies in offering a comprehensive framework that synthesizes existing models, highlights key research gaps, and emphasizes the need for future studies on the dynamic interaction between financial planning, technological innovation, and organizational agility. From a practical perspective, the findings provide digital entrepreneurs and managers with valuable insights into implementing financial tools and administrative frameworks that enhance decision-making, while also underscoring the importance of agility, operational efficiency, and market adaptability to navigate digital disruptions. Full article

The transition to energy-efficient buildings is a priority of the European EPBD (Energy Performance Building Directive) and requires deep retrofits to reduce consumption and emissions. However, their financial viability remains underexplored. This research assesses the financial feasibility of deep retrofit interventions through innovative business models, focusing on the Managed Energy Services Agreement (MESA), which is considered the most effective for residential buildings. Additionally, we integrate off-site production from the Energiesprong model, which optimizes costs and time through long-term contracts and industrialized retrofit technologies. The analysis targets two investment profiles—owner/tenant and developer/entrepreneur—in Italian urban contexts with different market dynamics. A static analysis evaluates retrofits based on existing costs and technologies, while a dynamic analysis considers future profitability improvements because of cost reductions enabled by off-site production. The results indicate that, under current conditions, residential retrofitting is not financially sustainable without public subsidies. However, cost reductions driven by off-site technologies improve profitability, making large-scale retrofits feasible. Moreover, real estate market characteristics affect financial sustainability: in smaller cities, deeper cost reductions are necessary for retrofit interventions to become viable. Full article

This study explores the connection between business management and the formalization of micro and small businesses (MSEs) in a particular developing economy environment. The main objective is to identify the business management factors that influence the business registration and compliance processes of these enterprises. This study uniquely contributes to the literature by empirically identifying and testing the specific business management factors that influence MSE formalization in an emerging economy, using a quantitative, data-driven approach. The research design utilizes quantitative methods and non-experimental and correlational elements while surveying 186 informal entrepreneurs from a total population of 361. The analysis used SPSS software version 25 on Likert-type scale survey data to identify relationships between investigated variables. The results demonstrate a weak positive association between business management and MSE formalization through their r = 0.386 Spearman correlation coefficient, which reaches statistical significance at a p-value of 0.000. In addition, positive correlations were identified between resource availability and accessibility and service quality with formalization, whereas acceptability and adaptability did not show a significant relationship (r = 0.256, p = 0.000; r = 0.359, p = 0.000). The formalization of MSEs depends on proper business management; however, a broader contextual approach is required to meet specific demands in local areas such as the study area. These findings suggest the implementation of integrated policies that improve the availability, accessibility, and quality of resources and services offered to MSEs. Full article

This paper examines the intersection between entrepreneurship government policy and managerial theory. The context chosen for this study is India. India has experienced a significant global geopolitical shift that is coinciding with India’s domestic policy reforms and notable domestic initiatives. Since 2014, India’s entrepreneurial ecosystem has seen a significant increase in the number of startups and unicorns. This paper presents arguments that the confluence of global realignments, such as the diversification of supply chains away from China and increasing interest in the Indo-Pacific region, along with domestic initiatives like “Make in India”, “Startup India”, and digitalization drives, along with massive investments in infrastructure improvements, have made India a desirable destination for entrepreneurial activity. By examining these factors through the lens of three theories—resource-based view, global value chain, and innovation ecosystem theory—this paper identifies key opportunities and challenges for entrepreneurs across various sectors. It is hoped that this research will contribute to a deeper understanding of India’s evolving entrepreneurial landscape. In addition, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors can benefit from this article to understand the opportunities and challenges India poses in order to contribute to India’s continued economic growth and its emergence as a global entrepreneurial powerhouse. Finally, this paper helps to bridge the gap between economic policy and management theory. Full article