Do NGOs influence entrepreneurship? Insights from the developments of biotechnologies and nanotechnologies

Abstract

Purpose

This paper aims to base the exploration of entrepreneurship on the study of the creation of new technological ventures in the emerging fields of bio and nanotechnologies.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the study of various databases and media archives, internet searches, business cases and in‐depth interviews, the study examines how regulation, institutional funding and R&D orientations constitute key components of the success of new technological ventures involving bio‐and nanotechnologies applications. It then studies what impact the actions of non‐governmental organisations (NGOs) can have on these components, and therefore, what influence they can have on entrepreneurship.

Findings

Finds that by introducing shifts in the environment leading to new technological ventures, NGOs influence entrepreneurship.

Originality/value

This new approach of entrepreneurship will begin to fill an existing gap in the literature concerning the study of the interface between NGOs and business. The model which is proposed will hopefully lead to further theorization concerning the relations between institutional change and entrepreneurship.

Citation

Auplat, C. (2006), "Do NGOs influence entrepreneurship? Insights from the developments of biotechnologies and nanotechnologies", Society and Business Review, Vol. 1 No. 3, pp. 266-279. https://doi.org/10.1108/17465680610706337