From Entrepreneurship to Eco-preneurship

Abstract

In this article we address the difference between entrepreneurship and eco-preneurship with relevance for environmental and social responsibility. We argue against a definition of entrepreneurship which defends principles such as quantitative growth and competition, characterizing the dominating market economic business model. Eco-preneurship, represents a new business model based on qualitative development and cooperation with humans and nature. We introduce philosophy of science as a frame of reference for our reflections. Entrepreneurs denotes reductionism, focusing on things as such (being), while eco-preneurship is based on holism, focusing on processes (becoming). We propose that it is more likely that eco-preneurship within a holistic process perspective is motivated by creating businesses that are far more socially and ecologically responsible than entrepreneurship anchored in the reductionistic product oriented business model.