Knowledge-intensive green entrepreneurship ecosystem and the creation of shared value: an analysis with eco-entrepreneurs participating in PIPE-FAPESP

Abstract

Green entrepreneurship can promote structural changes necessary for the sustainable development of countries, especially when it becomes knowledge-intensive, with greater capacity to launch innovative products, processes and services. The aim of this project is to investigate the contextual and individual configurations and dynamics of the knowledge-intensive green ecosystem in a developing country. In more detail, it is intended to identify the main factors of ecosystems that facilitate the emergence of knowledge-intensive green entrepreneurship, comparing the most appropriate configurations between green and non-green entrepreneurship. Furthermore, it is intended to analyze the antecedents of shared value creation for both types of entrepreneurs. A qualitative and quantitative methodology will be used. In the first stage of the research, a case study will be carried out in companies participating in the Innovative Research in Small Enterprises program of the São Paulo Research Foundation (PIPE-FAPESP). Companies participating in the PIPE are considered knowledge intensive, and 25% of them are also characterized as green. Data collection will be carried out on three fronts: a) in-depth interviews with PIPE's entrepreneurs, coordinators and evaluators; b) collection of data from companies and entrepreneurs from internet sources; c) participation in PIPE evaluation committees. Data will be analyzed using the content analysis technique. In the second stage of the research, surveys will be applied to PIPE entrepreneurs, to analyze the factors that influence the creation of shared value in the two groups, as well as to identify any differences. Data will be analyzed using structural equation modeling. Understanding the contextual and individual configurations and dynamics of the knowledge-intensive green ecosystem in a developing country allows promoting this type of entrepreneurship, which is in line with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The results can contribute to policy-making processes that seek to connect the promotion of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship with environmentally sustainable transitions within business ecosystems. (AU)