This thesis compares the Swedish and the French social entrepreneurship ecosystems. After an examination of the definitions and current legal frameworks around social enterprises in each country, their levels of social entrepreneurship activity are compared. The existing support structures providing non-financial help to social entrepreneurs (i.e. incubators, accelerators, co-working spaces and networks) are identified in Paris and in Stockholm, while perceptions from social entrepreneurs benefiting from such support were gathered through interviews. Findings show that the concept of social enterprise is more recognized and legally defined in France than in Sweden. Social entrepreneurship activity seems to be hard to quantify and compare, due to a lack of data available. Support structures appear to be well developed both in Paris and in Stockholm, while the support provided is overall quite appreciated by social entrepreneurs. Furthermore, many of them perceive their support needs as rather different from those of traditional entrepreneurs. Results tend to show that although developing in practice, social entrepreneurship remains a young academic field. Stakeholders from the field have much to gain from extended research on the topic.

Thesis purpose: The purpose of this paper is to investigate which circumstances technology entrepreneurs believe facilitate innovation, in the context of developing countries, and in Ghana in particular. Additionally, to explore the institutional and environmental factors that enable or prevent innovative activity from taking place in the technology startup ecosystem. Methodology: Multiple case qualitative research study of the Ghanaian technology entrepreneurship ecosystem. Data collection by conducting semi-structured interviews with 20 technology entrepreneurs in Accra, Ghana. The data collection and analysis process is inspired by the phenomenography approach. Theoretical framework: Theoretical concepts found in the literature on entrepreneurship and innovation. The institutional pillars of the entrepreneurship ecosystem, developed by GEDI (Global Entrepreneurship and Development Institute), are discussed and applied in the analysis of the interview results. Conclusions: This paper identifies a number of areas where the majority of the entrepreneurs reported having similar experiences and challenges. Many of the challenges are related to institutional factors such as regulation and bureaucratic processes. Despite this, the technology entrepreneurship system in Ghana is growing, and the country offers a lot of opportunities for entrepreneurs. Ultimately, to facilitate innovation further, the institutional environment requires change in a number of areas, in order to better support technology entrepreneurs, and to create an enabling environment in which they can act on and take advantage of the opportunities that exist.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar um modelo metodológico para o acompanhamento da evolução de startups digitais em contexto de aceleração, a partir do estudo de caso do programa governamental de fomento a startups denominado Start-Up Brasil, construído no período compreendido entre 2013 e 2014. Para tanto, descreve o modelo e seu processo de desenvolvimento, bem como os principais elementos presentes na literatura que o embasaram, tais como as abordagens customer development (BLANK, 2003) e lean startup (RIES, 2011), dentre outras. A pesquisa contextualiza os principais conceitos relacionados à temática abordada, tais como startup, aceleradora, ecossistema de empreendedorismo e habitats de inovação. Sendo assim, através de um levantamento teórico e do acompanhamento direto do autor no processo de desenvolvimento e implementação deste modelo, enquanto diretor de operações do programa no período estudado, o trabalho baseia-se em metodologia que combina relato técnico, pesquisa descritiva e revisão bibliográfica a partir de relato técnico para então apresentar o modelo. Considerando a importância das startups para o desenvolvimento de inovações com alto potencial de crescimento, especialmente aquelas ligadas ao setor de tecnologia de informação e comunicação (TIC), espera-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir para o desenvolvimento do setor, uma vez que metodologias de acompanhamento bem implementadas podem levar a uma melhor qualidade na seleção e aceleração de startups, e por consequência, seu desenvolvimento e o incremento dos ecossistemas em que estão inseridas. / This research aims to present a methodological model to monitor the evolution of digital startups in acceleration context, based on the case study of the Brazilian public program Start-Up Brasil, that supports digital startups, specifically in the period between years 2013 and 2014. Thus, it describes the model developed by the program and its development process, as well as the main elements present in the literature that have supported it, such as the customer development (BLANK, 2003) and lean startup (RIES, 2011) approaches, among others. The research also contextualized the main concepts related to the thematic, such as startup, accelerator, entrepreneurship ecosystem and innovation habitats. By utilizing both theoretical references and the professional report of the author, who held the position of Operations Director of the program during that period, this work is based on a combination of technical report, descriptive research and bibliographic review methods to then introduce the model. Considering the importance of startups to the development of high impact innovations, especially those related with the Information Technology and Communications (ITC) sector, it is expected that this work can contribute to the development of this area, once that monitoring methods, when well applied, can lead to a better quality of the selection and acceleration of startups, and as a consequence, to the development of the ecosystems in which they are present.

Esta pesquisa tem como objetivo apresentar um modelo metodológico para o acompanhamento da evolução de startups digitais em contexto de aceleração, a partir do estudo de caso do programa governamental de fomento a startups denominado Start-Up Brasil, construído no período compreendido entre 2013 e 2014. Para tanto, descreve o modelo e seu processo de desenvolvimento, bem como os principais elementos presentes na literatura que o embasaram, tais como as abordagens customer development (BLANK, 2003) e lean startup (RIES, 2011), dentre outras. A pesquisa contextualiza os principais conceitos relacionados à temática abordada, tais como startup, aceleradora, ecossistema de empreendedorismo e habitats de inovação. Sendo assim, através de um levantamento teórico e do acompanhamento direto do autor no processo de desenvolvimento e implementação deste modelo, enquanto diretor de operações do programa no período estudado, o trabalho baseia-se em metodologia que combina relato técnico, pesquisa descritiva e revisão bibliográfica a partir de relato técnico para então apresentar o modelo. Considerando a importância das startups para o desenvolvimento de inovações com alto potencial de crescimento, especialmente aquelas ligadas ao setor de tecnologia de informação e comunicação (TIC), espera-se que esta pesquisa possa contribuir para o desenvolvimento do setor, uma vez que metodologias de acompanhamento bem implementadas podem levar a uma melhor qualidade na seleção e aceleração de startups, e por consequência, seu desenvolvimento e o incremento dos ecossistemas em que estão inseridas. / This research aims to present a methodological model to monitor the evolution of digital startups in acceleration context, based on the case study of the Brazilian public program Start-Up Brasil, that supports digital startups, specifically in the period between years 2013 and 2014. Thus, it describes the model developed by the program and its development process, as well as the main elements present in the literature that have supported it, such as the customer development (BLANK, 2003) and lean startup (RIES, 2011) approaches, among others. The research also contextualized the main concepts related to the thematic, such as startup, accelerator, entrepreneurship ecosystem and innovation habitats. By utilizing both theoretical references and the professional report of the author, who held the position of Operations Director of the program during that period, this work is based on a combination of technical report, descriptive research and bibliographic review methods to then introduce the model. Considering the importance of startups to the development of high impact innovations, especially those related with the Information Technology and Communications (ITC) sector, it is expected that this work can contribute to the development of this area, once that monitoring methods, when well applied, can lead to a better quality of the selection and acceleration of startups, and as a consequence, to the development of the ecosystems in which they are present.

This dissertation investigates the evolution of Kenya’s Internet communication technology (ICT) ecosystem and explores the barriers and subsequent enabling processes encountered when growing an ICT ecosystem in a resource-scarce context. Drawing upon 12 in-depth case studies of Kenyan tech entrepreneurs and 45 interviews with technology experts this dissertation provides a holistic perspective on the barriers and enablers that Kenyan technology entrepreneurs encounter across the areas of culture, human capital, finance, policy, entrepreneurial support systems, and markets. Together with relevant theory on how ecosystems emerge and advance the thesis develops a model that explains how ICT ecosystems can emerge in resource-scarce contexts. The model shows how locally available enabling processes may be drawn on to substitute and establish missing condition factors. Furthermore, this dissertation analyzes mobile technology's potential to tackle unemployment in Kenya and provides a critical evaluation of the embedded economic and developmental opportunity.:1. Introduction 1 1.1 The potential of mobile technology to tackle unemployment in Kenya 1.2 Kenya’s emerging “Silicon Savannah” 1.3 Introduction to the research context 1.3.1 Country Context: Kenya the East-African economic hub and its unemployment challenge 1.3.2 The “Silicon Savannah”: Kenya’s ICT entrepreneurship ecosystem 2. Literature chapter 2.1 Basic theoretical concepts 2.2 Mobile for development 2.2.1 Mobile for development fields 2.2.2 Critics of the M4D stream 2.2.3 Contextual challenges faced by M4D initiatives 2.3 Mobile for work (mWork) 2.3.1 The Virtual Economy: A market for virtually traded scarcities 2.3.2 Mobile Micro Work 2.3.3 Mobile for Recruitment 2.4 The ecosystem view on entrepreneruship 2.4.1 Theoretical basis: Cluster Theory and Regional Innovation Systems Theory 2.4.2 Distinguishing features of Entrepreneurship Ecosystem functioning 2.4.3 Emergence and development of ICT entrepreneurship ecosystems over time 2.4.4 The role of Policy in fostering EE growth 2.5 The context for entrepreneurship in Kenya 2.6 Technology entrepreneurship in Kenya: Challenges faced in the Silicon Savannah 3. Methodology Chapter 3.1 Research Design 3.2 Data collection and access 3.2.1 mWork sample selection 3.2.2 Interview conduct with mWork and other local ICT entrepreneurs 3.2.3 Sample selection and interview conduct with “Silicon Savannah” experts 3.3 Data Analysis 3.3.1 Interview data analysis 3.3.2 Case analysis: within case and cross case analysis 3.3.3 Development of the Model of Ecosystem Emergence 3.4 Measurement of mWork development impact 3.5 Other Methodological Considerations 3.5.1 Researcher‘s Role 3.5.2 Ethical Considerations 3.5.3 Credibility of findings 4. mWork in Kenya 4.1 Introduction: mWork in Kenya 4.2 Case presentation 4.2.1 mWork segment: Market Research 4.1.2 mWork Segment: Recruiting 4.2.3 mWork Segment: Mobile Micro Work 4.2.4 mWork segment: Market intermediaries 4.2.5 Overview of mWork Cases 4.3 Cross-case analysis 4.3.1 Feasibility of mWork approaches and challenges faced 4.3.2 Feasibility of business models suggested by literature in a Kenyan context 4.3.3 Overcoming challenges to mWork in Kenya: Four successful examples 4.4 Development impact of mWork 4.4.1 Development impact of mWork Segment Mobile Micro Work 4.4.2 Development impact of mWork segment market research 4.4.3 Development impact of mWork segment recruiting 4.4.4 (Potential) development impact of mWork segment: Market intermediary 5. The Kenyan “Silicon Savannah” 5.1 Empirical Findings: Barriers and enablers to technology entrepreneurship in Kenya 5.5.1 Ecosystem dimension: Culture 5.1.2 Ecosystem dimension: Supports 5.1.3 Ecosystem dimension: Human capital 5.1.4 Ecosystem dimension: Finance 5.1.5 Ecosystem dimension: Policy 5.1.6 Ecosystem dimension: Markets 5.2 Discussion of findings in the wider discourse of the Silicon Savannah 5.3 The unique nature of the phenomenon of technology entrepreneurship in Kenya 5.4 Main growth barriers in the “Silicon Savannah” and ICT EE s in the GS 5.5 Main growth enablers in the “Silicon Savannah” and early ICT EE s in the GS 5.6 Development trajectory of ICT EE s in resource-scarce contexts 6. Conclusion 6.1 Conclusion on the opportunity of mWork in Kenya 6.1.1 Summary of main findings 6.1.2 Theoretical implications 6.1.3 Practical implications 6.1.4 Limitations and further research 6.2 Conclusion on Kenyas “Silicon Savannah” 6.2.1 Summary of main findings 6.2.2 Theoretical implications 6.2.3 Practical implications and recommendations 6.2.4 Limitations and further research References Appendix

The strengthening of the entrepreneurial landscape has been viewed as a means to national economic growth, wealth creation as well as job creation. Good examples exists where government deliberate actions have contributed to these kind of positive growth, yet this research exposes the rigour and hard work needed to bring about this success. The rigour stems from the pursuit of a holistic approach which involves the strengthening of the six domains of entrepreneurship ecosystem growth as posited in literature, while the hard work is related to the discipline and expertise required to pilot such initiative. Research has shown that many countries may be looking for entrepreneurship in the wrong places. Funding availability is only a part of a thriving entrepreneurship ecosystem, the strengthening of other domains can help an ecosystem grow more sustainably. The role of government in driving the entrepreneurship ecosystem can be restricted and channeled towards government performing it traditional role of providing the enabling environment and allowing the private sector drive the ecosystem. Where the growth of the entrepreneurship ecosystem is led by public initiative, it may be better to jettison the idea of the individual firm’s development and pursue the strengthening of the ecosystem in all it domains.

[ES] Esta investigación mantiene como hipótesis la necesidad de establecer la figura del diseñador como un agente articulador dentro de la empresa capaz de crear pequeñas y grandes innovaciones en toda etapa del proceso empresarial, para facilitar la interacción entre el cliente/usuario y los productos/servicios. Para ello, este estudio busca consolidar el Diseño como motor de la innovación para pequeñas y medianas empresas en Chile a través de una investigación cualitativa y cuantitativa. Esta noción se apoya en un marco teórico que valida la innovación como la base del crecimiento económico de los emprendimientos. Sin embargo, para llegar a la innovación, es necesario hacer uso del Diseño como herramienta empresarial por sobre una asistencia estética y comunicacional. Con esto en mente, esta investigación presenta una puesta en escena de los elementos que componen el entorno de las actividades de producción, la sociedad y la economía del conocimiento global, y el ecosistema del emprendedor, específicamente, en Chile. También se esclarecen los conceptos del desarrollo sostenible, la innovación, el Diseño y las políticas de fomento del Diseño en Chile. Luego, se realiza un estudio sobre el emprendedurismo en Chile, enfocado en pequeñas y medianas empresas que participan en tres Centros de Desarrollo de Negocios del Servicio de Cooperación Técnica (SERCOTEC), de tres comunas representativas de tres niveles socioeconómicos del país (Estación Central, La Florida, y Ñuñoa), en la ciudad capital de Santiago; el Fondo de Solidaridad e Inversión Social (FOSIS); la Asociación de Emprendedores de Chile (ASECH); y, el Ministerio de Ciencia, Tecnología, Conocimiento e Innovación (MinCiencia), a través de entrevistas a los directores de cada institución y encuestas a emprendedores de los Centros de Desarrollo de Negocios. Los resultados principales de este estudio se dividieron en categorías: perfil del emprendedor, urgencias del emprendimiento, la función del diseño y ecosistema del emprendimiento e innovación. Estas categorías descubrieron que la figura del diseñador suele estar limitada a funciones básicas de estética y comunicación y se conoce muy poco sobre los beneficios empresariales del Diseño. Por ello, es crucial educar y difundir conocimiento en torno al rol del diseñador y su función desde la gestión empresarial del Diseño que lo sitúa más allá del orden creativo en el área formal y artística en una posición estrechamente vinculada al área de la economía. / [CA] This investigation maintains the need to establish the figure of the designer as an articulating agent within in businesses, capable of creating small and large innovations at all stages of the entrepreneurial process, to facilitate the interaction between the client/user and the products/services. To this end, this study seeks to consolidate Design as a driver of innovation for small and medium-sized businesses in Chile through qualitative and quantitative research. This notion is supported by a theoretical framework that validates innovation as the basis for the economic growth of entrepreneurship. However, in order to achieve innovation, it is necessary to make use of Design as a business tool over an aesthetic and communicational assistance. With this in mind, this research presents the current state of the elements that make up the environment of production activities, society and the global knowledge economy, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chile. It also clarifies the concepts of sustainable development, innovation, design, and design promotion policies in Chile. A study on entrepreneurship in Chile is conducted, focusing on small and medium businesses that participate in three Centers for Business Development (Centros de Desarrollo de Negocios) of the Technical Cooperation Service (Servicio de Cooperación Técnica) of three communes that characterize three distinct socioeconomical levels of the country (Estación Central, La Florida and Ñuñoa), in the capital city of Santiago; the Solidarity and Social Investment Fund (Fondo de Solidaridad e Inversión Social), the Association of Entrepreneurs in Chile; and, the Ministry of Science, Knowledge, Technology and Innovation, through interviews with the directors of each institution and forms to entrepreneurs of the Centers for Business Development. The main results of this study were divided into categories: entrepreneur profile, entrepreneurship urgencies, the role of design, and entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. These categories found that the figure of the designer is often limited to basic aesthetic and communication functions and very little is known about the business benefits of Design. Therefore, it is crucial to educate and disseminate knowledge on the role of the designer and its function of Design in business management that places him or her beyond the creative role in a formal and artistic area and into position closely linked to the area of economics. / [EN] Aquesta investigació manté com a hipòtesi la necessitat d'establir la figura del dissenyador com un agent articulador dins de l'empresa capaç de crear petites i grans innovacions en tota etapa del procés empresarial, per a facilitar la interacció entre el client/usuari i els productes/serveis. Per a això, aquest estudi busca consolidar el Disseny com a motor de la innovació per a petites i mitjanes empreses a Xile a través d'una investigació qualitativa i quantitativa. Aquesta noció es recolza en un marc teòric que valguda la innovació com la base del creixement econòmic de les emprenedories. No obstant això, per a arribar a la innovació, és necessari fer ús del Disseny com a eina empresarial per sobre una assistència estètica i comunicacional. Amb això en ment, aquesta investigació presenta una posada en escena dels elements que componen l'entorn de les activitats de producció, la societat i l'economia del coneixement global, i l'ecosistema de l'emprenedor, específicament, a Xile. També s'esclareixen els conceptes del desenvolupament sostenible, la innovació, el Disseny i les polítiques de foment del Disseny a Xile. Després, es realitza un estudi sobre l'emprenedoria a Xile, enfocat en petites i mitjanes empreses que participen en tres Centres de Desenvolupament de Negocis del Servei de Cooperació Tècnica (SERCOTEC), de tres comunes representatives de tres nivells socioeconòmics del país (Estació Central, La Florida, i Ñuñoa), a la ciutat capital de Santiago; el Fons de Solidaritat i Inversió Social (FOSIS); l'Associació d'Emprenedors de Xile (ASECH); i, el Ministeri de Ciència, Tecnologia, Coneixement i Innovació (MinCiencia), a través d'entrevistes als directors de cada institució i enquestes a emprenedors dels Centres de Desenvolupament de Negocis. Els resultats principals d'aquest estudi es van dividir en categories: perfil de l'emprenedor, urgències de l'emprenedoria, la funció del disseny i ecosistema de l'emprenedoria i innovació. Aquestes categories van descobrir que la figura del dissenyador sol estar limitada a funcions bàsiques d'estètica i comunicació i es coneix molt poc sobre els beneficis empresarials del Disseny. Per això, és crucial educar i difondre coneixement entorn del rol del dissenyador i la seua funció des de la gestió empresarial del Disseny que el situa més enllà de l'ordre creatiu en l'àrea formal i artística en una posició estretament vinculada a l'àrea de l'economia. / Moreno Muñoz, C. (2022). El diseño como motor de innovación e infraestructura para pequeñas y medianas empresas en Chile [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/182166 / TESIS