Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends

A special issue of Systems (ISSN 2079-8954). This special issue belongs to the section "Systems Practice in Social Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 June 2024 | Viewed by 1623

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: entrepreneurship; small business management; women’s entrepreneurship; entrepreneurship education and training; business growth; inclusive entrepreneurship; youth entrepreneurship

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Economics, Faculty of Economics and Business, University of Maribor, 2000 Maribor, Slovenia
Interests: entrepreneurship; entrepreneurial ecosystem; entrepreneurship policy; inclusive entrepreneurship; small business management and economics; youth entrepreneurship; theory of the firm

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The special issue “Harnessing Systems Thinking in Entrepreneurship: Interdisciplinary Perspectives and Emerging Trends” aims to explore the increasingly complex world of entrepreneurship through the multifaceted lens of systems thinking. Rooted in the foundational theories of Ludwig von Bertalanffy and Norbert Wiener, and extended by scholars such as Barry Richmond and Peter Senge, systems thinking provides an integrative framework essential for understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurial ventures in the modern, digitally transformed global landscape. This Special Issue of Systems explores the intersection of systems thinking and entrepreneurship, highlighting its relevance across several dimensions such as entrepreneurial ecosystems, innovation and technology, policy and regulatory frameworks, education, sustainability, and social entrepreneurship. The intersection of systems thinking and entrepreneurship is fertile ground for academic exploration and offers insights that could shape the future of business practices and policy decisions. This Special Issue aims to contribute to both academic discourse and practical applications in entrepreneurship. We welcome scholars and practitioners to contribute their research and insights to enrich the understanding of the complex, interconnected world of entrepreneurship.

We invite submissions that cover various dimensions of systems thinking in entrepreneurship, including but not limited to:

  • Historical context and theoretical foundations: Exploration of the origins and evolution of systems theory and its application in entrepreneurship, tracing back to Ludwig von Bertalanffy and Norbert Wiener.
  • Modern context and emerging trends: Analysis of how systems thinking aids entrepreneurs in addressing contemporary challenges like sustainability, the sharing economy, and technological advancements.
  • Entrepreneurial ecosystems: Understanding systemic interactions and interdependencies in entrepreneurial ecosystems.
  • Innovation and technology: Insights into how technological advances influence and are influenced by broader systemic factors in entrepreneurship.
  • Policy and regulatory frameworks: Examining the impact of policy and regulatory frameworks on entrepreneurial activities.
  • Interdisciplinary approaches and data utilization: Encouragement of interdisciplinary research that employs diverse data sources to deepen our understanding of entrepreneurial systems.
  • Entrepreneurial education: Insights into the influence of systems thinking on entrepreneurial education and policy, with a focus on global practices and innovations.
  • Critical perspectives: Examination of the limitations and challenges of applying systems thinking in entrepreneurial contexts.

Prof. Dr. Karin Širec
Dr. Katja Crnogaj
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • systems thinking
  • entrepreneurship
  • globalization
  • digital transformation
  • innovation and technology
  • entrepreneurial ecosystem
  • policy and regulation
  • sustainability

Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

25 pages, 549 KiB  
Article
Navigating Gender Nuances: Assessing the Impact of AI on Employee Engagement in Slovenian Entrepreneurship
by Maja Rožman and Polona Tominc
Systems 2024, 12(5), 145; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12050145 - 24 Apr 2024
Viewed by 193
Abstract
Background: Our research delved into exploring various selected facets of AI-driven employee engagement, from the gender perspective, among Slovenian entrepreneurs. Methods: This research is based on a random sample of 326 large enterprises and SMEs in Slovenia, with an entrepreneur completing a questionnaire [...] Read more.
Background: Our research delved into exploring various selected facets of AI-driven employee engagement, from the gender perspective, among Slovenian entrepreneurs. Methods: This research is based on a random sample of 326 large enterprises and SMEs in Slovenia, with an entrepreneur completing a questionnaire in each enterprise. Results: Findings suggest that there are no significant differences between male and female entrepreneurs in Slovenia regarding various aspects of AI-supported entrepreneurial management practice including the following: AI-supported entrepreneurial culture, AI-enhanced leadership, adopting AI to reduce employee workload, and incorporating AI tools into work processes. The widespread integration of AI into entrepreneurship marks a transition to a business landscape that values inclusivity and equity, measuring success through creativity, strategic technology deployment, and leadership qualities, rather than relying on gender-based advantages or limitations. Our research also focused on the identification of gender differences in path coefficients regarding the impact of the four previously mentioned aspects of AI on employee engagement. While both genders see the value in using AI to alleviate employee workload, the path coefficients indicate that female entrepreneurs report higher effectiveness in this area, suggesting differences in the implementation of AI-integrated strategies or tool selection. Male entrepreneurs, on the other hand, appear to integrate AI tools into their work processes more extensively, particularly in areas requiring predictive analytics and project scheduling. This suggests a more technical application of AI in their enterprises. Conclusions: These findings contribute to understanding gender-specific approaches to AI in enterprises and their subsequent effects on employee engagement. Full article
26 pages, 473 KiB  
Article
Sustainable Business Practices and the Role of Digital Technologies: A Cross-Regional Analysis
by Samuel Plečko and Barbara Bradač Hojnik
Systems 2024, 12(3), 97; https://doi.org/10.3390/systems12030097 - 14 Mar 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086
Abstract
This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable practices within enterprises against the backdrop of global transformative forces framed within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking. It examines the extent to which digital advances either facilitate or impede the sustainable development [...] Read more.
This study examines the relationship between digital transformation and sustainable practices within enterprises against the backdrop of global transformative forces framed within the holistic paradigm of systems thinking. It examines the extent to which digital advances either facilitate or impede the sustainable development of companies, while also considering the systemic impact of demographic variables (such as gender, age, education), national income levels, and geographical regions on business sustainability. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM), which encompasses 26,790 entrepreneurs in 47 countries, this research uses multinomial regression to assess how these factors influence companies’ commitment to social and environmental goals. A key finding is that the strategic use of digital technologies in sales processes significantly increases the likelihood that entrepreneurs will integrate social and environmental considerations into their decision-making. Notably, this conscientious approach to business is most prevalent among entrepreneurs in Latin America and the Caribbean. Our findings underscore the central role of digital technologies in driving sustainable business transformation while also highlighting the significant influence of regional socio-environmental contexts on business sustainability orientations. Full article
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