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Drivers of entrepreneurship development in South Asia: empirical insights and policy recommendations

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  • Emon Kalyan Chowdhury

    (Chittagong Independent University)

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a crucial role in driving economic growth and development, and understanding the factors that shape entrepreneurship is essential. This research paper aims to investigate the factors influencing entrepreneurship development in South Asian countries by analyzing the role of institutional quality, technological innovation, social capital, economic growth, trade openness, and cultural values. The study utilizes panel data from various sources covering the period from 2010 to 2023. Statistical models such as Pedroni panel cointegration test, regression analysis, and the two-step system generalized method of moments are applied for analysis. The major findings of the study reveal that economic growth, institutional quality, financial development, technological innovation, foreign direct investment, social capital, trade openness, and cultural values significantly influence entrepreneurship development in South Asian countries. This study recommends promoting sustainable economic growth, improving access to finance for entrepreneurs, enhancing institutional quality, fostering technological innovation and knowledge transfer, supporting social capital networks, promoting trade diversification, and aligning cultural values with entrepreneurship development to provide a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and facilitate economic growth and development in South Asian countries.

Suggested Citation

  • Emon Kalyan Chowdhury, 2025. "Drivers of entrepreneurship development in South Asia: empirical insights and policy recommendations," Journal of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 1-30, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:joiaen:v:14:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1186_s13731-025-00512-w
    DOI: 10.1186/s13731-025-00512-w
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    South Asia; Entrepreneurship development; Technological innovation; Institutional quality; Financial development; Panel data;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • O31 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Innovation; Research and Development; Technological Change; Intellectual Property Rights - - - Innovation and Invention: Processes and Incentives
    • O43 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Growth and Aggregate Productivity - - - Institutions and Growth
    • O57 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economywide Country Studies - - - Comparative Studies of Countries
    • P52 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Comparative Economic Systems - - - Comparative Studies of Particular Economies
    • F21 - International Economics - - International Factor Movements and International Business - - - International Investment; Long-Term Capital Movements

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