| Title |
From exclusion to inclusion: international approaches to inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems for people with disabilities |
| Authors |
Butkevičienė, Jurgita ; Kozma, Miklos |
| DOI |
10.1108/978-1-80686-435-5 |
| ISBN |
9781806864362 |
| eISBN |
9781806864355 |
| Full Text |
|
| Is Part of |
Future-Fit: expanding the boundaries of international business. Part B ; Edited by Rebecca Piekkari; Sarianna Lundan; Tiina Ritvala; Riikka Harikkala-Laihinen; Rob Van Tulder.. Leeds : Emerald Publishing Limited, 2026. chapter 4, p. 65-84.. ISBN 9781806864362. eISBN 9781806864355 |
| Keywords [eng] |
inclusion ; inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystems ; international business theory ; people with disabilities ; entrepreneurs with disabilities |
| Abstract [eng] |
Entrepreneurial ecosystems within international business (IB) are progressively recognized for their potential to promote inclusivity for individuals with disabilities; however, substantial disparities remain in both theoretical frameworks and practical implementations. Despite global commitments, people with disabilities (PwD) are still underrepresented among co-founders and leaders in IB. This chapter critically reviews the literature at the intersection of entrepreneurial ecosystems, networks, inclusion and IB network theory, providing a new perspective on addressing inclusion in IB. It emphasizes how fragmented institutional support, ableist norms, and digital exclusion limit opportunities for these individuals. Drawing on disability studies and IB network theory, the authors argue that network density – the interconnectedness among business, social and institutional actors – functions as both a principal structural enabler of and a measurable indicator of inclusion within entrepreneurial ecosystems. The authors move beyond the traditional view of inclusion as a static policy target, instead reconceptualizing it as a dynamic, emergent property of evolving network structures. This shift enables more actionable, measurable, and sustainable approaches to inclusion in IB. By advancing this network-centric perspective, the chapter addresses a critical gap in IB scholarship, which has historically prioritized firm-specific advantages over relational approaches. The authors propose a future research agenda that emphasizes intersectional methodologies, foregrounding the lived experiences of PwD across diverse contexts. This is essential for developing context-sensitive interventions and research that reflect real-world complexities. |
| Published |
Leeds : Emerald Publishing Limited, 2026 |
| Type |
Book part |
| Language |
English |
| Publication date |
2026 |
| CC license |
|
