Investigations on Entrepreneurship Needs, Challenges, and Models for Countries in Transition to Sustainable Development from Resource-Based Economy—Qatar as a Case

Abstract

This paper presents a comprehensive and comparative investigation into the needs, challenges, and potential roles for entrepreneurship in transforming resource-rich countries into sustainable economies. It explores the role of entrepreneurship to help transition from a resource-based economy, mainly through increasing the number of entrepreneurs and enhancing private-enterprise-led and small and medium enterprises to achieve economic diversification. This study focuses on the case of Qatar, considering its current policies, mechanisms, and institutes, and how they are working together to help diversify the economy and ultimately transition from its current resource-based economy. It begins with a comprehensive review of the literature, including a discussion of the significance of economic diversification globally and examining the role of government and other actors in developing entrepreneurship and the private sector. The methodology and conditions are set out, followed by the findings of the qualitative interview study with key and representative stakeholders within the existing entrepreneurship arena, such as entrepreneurs (successful or failed), those wanting to be entrepreneurs, policymakers, investors, and supporting agencies. The interviews are thematically analyzed to identify apparent challenges, their root causes, and initial recommendations. Three barriers in the entrepreneurship ecosystem in Qatar are identified: (1) lack of a conducive and transparent legal, regulatory, and governance environment, (2) lack of access to risk-based financing for entrepreneurs, and (3) lack of locally relevant entrepreneurial mentorship and guidance. Finally, the authors used the literature review and interview results to develop a progressive, locally tailored, dynamic preliminary framework for Qatar, and similar countries, to increase the number of entrepreneurs and small businesses to achieve economic growth and diversification.

Innovation Ecosystem for Resource-Rich Countries: Validation of Entrepreneurship Framework for Qatar as a Case

“…This paper advances the qualitative findings of a previously published work ("Investigations on Entrepreneurship Needs Challenges and Models for Countries in Transition to Sustainable Development from Resource-Based Economy-Qatar as a Case" [4]) to quantitatively delve deeper into the complex and interdependent relationships between several policy, social, and economic factors of entrepreneurship within resource-based countries. The previously published work [4] explores entrepreneurship's unique challenges and opportunities in countries that are transitioning from resource-based to knowledge-based economies, such as Norway. Focusing on Qatar, the previous work analyzed current policies, mechanisms, and institutes aiding economic diversification.…”

“…A quantitative assessment of this sector is essential. Especially considering the proposed innovative platform Ryadah [4], the proposed solution can be used to explore possible challenges.…”

“…They contribute to developing global market competencies, cultural intelligence among entrepreneurs, and the overall international reputation of the Qatari business sector. Quantitative research in this area is essential as it will help us evaluate our proposal for ENT-Q [4] and its role in enhancing the nation's global competitiveness and innovation capacity [55,56].…”

Spatial-temporal evolution and influencing factors of ecological resilience in urban agglomerations: a case study of Shanxi section of the Yellow River Basin

“…Due to the development of urbanization and industrialization, the urban ecological environment is under great pressure. Resourcebased cities have a long history and resource advantages, and have been the driving force of rapid economic development (Mohamed et al, 2021;Al-Housani et al, 2023). However, overdevelopment and serious environmental degradation are inevitable side effects of the development of resource-based cities (Taelman et al, 2018).…”

Can the Circular Economy Unlock Sustainable Business Growth? Insights from Qualitative Research with Specialists in Romania

“…Additionally, China and the EU signed a memorandum of understanding and a comparable partnership on cooperation in the circular economy. Moreover, in its transformation as a sustainable economy, China has recorded the greatest success in reducing the number of people living in poverty, being a country with strong and sustained economic growth [34]. All these aspects point to China's increasing focus on sustainability, particularly in the context of the circular economy and combating climate change [33].…”