Market transformations as collaborative change: Institutional co‐evolution through small business entrepreneurship

Abstract

Entrepreneurship may be one entry point to trigger transformations toward sustainability. Yet, there is limited knowledge on the ability of small-and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to play a role in transformation processes, beyond the initial stages of niche innovation. Building on data collected through 125 interviews in Toronto, Vancouver and London, we examine perceived contributions of SME-led sustainable entrepreneurship to market transformations. Our data show that sustainable entrepreneurs face significant constraints in individually exercising influence over mass markets, as they encounter social forces that generate resistance to change. However, SMEs are able to act collaboratively to shape transformation processes. We propose three mechanisms of institutional co-evolution that capture these contributions: network learning, collective norm-construction and collaborative advocacy.

Managing entrepreneurial and corporate contributions to sustainability transitions

“…The contribution of Linda Westman, Sarah Burch, Christopher Luederitz, Aravind Kundurpi and Alexander Mercado analyses institutional co‐evolution through small business entrepreneurship and discusses market transformations as collaborative change. Westman et al (2022) conducted 125 interviews in three metropolitan regions to show that sustainable entrepreneurs face substantial constraints when aiming to contribute individually to sustainability transitions. Westman et al (2022) furthermore show how SME are able to collaboratively shape transformation processes via three co‐evolutionary mechanisms: network learning, collective norm‐construction, and collaborative advocacy.…”

“…Westman et al (2022) conducted 125 interviews in three metropolitan regions to show that sustainable entrepreneurs face substantial constraints when aiming to contribute individually to sustainability transitions. Westman et al (2022) furthermore show how SME are able to collaboratively shape transformation processes via three co‐evolutionary mechanisms: network learning, collective norm‐construction, and collaborative advocacy.…”

A Qualitative Perspective of Entrepreneurial Intention Among Students in a Private Higher Institution in Selangor

“…As entrepreneurship develops, more research in this area is needed to fully understand its multitude of dimensions (Kanaan-Jebna et al, 2022). Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) play a significant part in mass market revolutions through sustainable entrepreneurship (Westman et al, 2023). With shifts of younger generations to join the workforce, entrepreneurship was one of the career opportunities.…”

Sustainable entrepreneurship practices of Indian SMEs: A strategic approach using fuzzy Delphi and best worst method

“…Very little research has been done on sustainable entrepreneurship in which social and environmental practices, particularly those linked to the competitiveness of SMEs, are studied. The majority of the research (Mendes et al, 2022; Westman et al, 2022) that has already been written on sustainable entrepreneurship practices in Indian SMEs has examined the reasons for and obstacles to the adoption of these practices. Research on the potential catalysts and enablers of sustainable entrepreneurship in the context of Indian SMEs, however, is scarce.…”