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Knowledge-Related Resourcefulness for Growth in Weak Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Hans Rawhouser
  • Chris Sutter
  • Natalie Holzaepfel
  • Michael Conger
  • Scott L. Newbert

Abstract

Entrepreneurs need to access knowledge to grow, but weak entrepreneurial ecosystems tend to lack the types of knowledge that foster venture growth. To explore how entrepreneurs can act resourcefully as they overcome local ecosystem deficiencies in efforts to grow, we conducted 78 interviews with growth-oriented entrepreneurs in Central America. These entrepreneurs, perceiving that their ecosystem was subordinate to stronger ecosystems, challenged local knowledge, prompting them to engage in knowledge-related resourcefulness, which involves reorienting network targets (resourceful cognition) and assembling network tie proxies (resourceful behavior), to leverage benefits from both local and distant entrepreneurial ecosystems in pursuit of steady organic growth.

Suggested Citation

  • Hans Rawhouser & Chris Sutter & Natalie Holzaepfel & Michael Conger & Scott L. Newbert, 2025. "Knowledge-Related Resourcefulness for Growth in Weak Entrepreneurial Ecosystems," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 49(1), pages 159-195, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:entthe:v:49:y:2025:i:1:p:159-195
    DOI: 10.1177/10422587241259393
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