Impact of Entrepreneurship Support on Entrepreneurship Performance: A Sequential Exploratory Study

Abstract

Entrepreneurship support is undoubtedly necessary but often fails to meet expectations. To investigate the reasons behind this, a sequential exploratory methodology, with both qualitative and quantitative data, was used in this research. Within the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem (EE) paradigm, a conceptual model linking the macro environment, support system, support received, and entrepreneurship performance was developed based on qualitative data from 56 entrepreneurs’ responses and three in-depth interviews in Study 1. Then empirical data from a survey of 244 entrepreneurs was used to validate the model in Study 2. The findings identified two reasons for the ineffectiveness of entrepreneurship policies. One is the constraint imposed by the macro environment, which presents significant challenges for improvement, and the other arises from the policies themselves, which are improvable and require targeted attention. The research reminds policymakers to consider not only the quantity of support but also its quality. Our study refines the EE Microfoundation theory, particularly the causal and mediating mechanisms linking entrepreneurs to their EE.