The creation of an entrepreneurial Brazil: Group formation and the establishment of economic subjects

• In Event: 1255 - Section on Latina/o Sociology Refereed Roundtables (1 hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable 60min: 4. Identity Formation and Experiences

Abstract

There is a growing interest in entrepreneurial ecosystems on the part of policymakers and practitioners, and among scholars of entrepreneurship. Much of this recent scholarship concentrates on describing entrepreneurial ecosystems in the global North, with some scholars calling for a better understanding of how ecosystems form and develop. This article explores some sociological dimensions of strategic practices to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems in Brazil. Taking the Endeavor agenda as a case study, this article describes how a leading international organization catalyzes the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging economies by assembling and mobilizing an array of individuals and organizations to promote entrepreneurship. Drawing conceptual and methodological inspiration from Actor Network Theory and Performativity Studies, this study finds that much of the work involved in establishing ecosystems in the global South has to do with boundary creation of a select group of individuals, the performation of ambitious entrepreneurs, and the extensive effort to reframe institutions according to market-friendly ideals. These practices disregard and even reinforce local socioeconomic inequalities, making economic growth by high-impact entrepreneurs a feat of socially privileged individuals.

Author

• Aline Coutinho, University of Ottawa