Business EntrepreneurshipEntrepreneurship in India: Perspectives and Future

S. Kulshrestha (), A. Kulshrestha (), M. Demetriou () and L. Efthymiou ()
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S. Kulshrestha: Rectangle Consulting
A. Kulshrestha: Rectangle Consulting
M. Demetriou: Department of Management, School of Business, University of Nicosia
L. Efthymiou: Department of Management, School of Business, University of Nicosia

Chapter 14 in The Expanding Horizons of Business and Management, Volume II, 2026, pp 333-359 from Palgrave Macmillan

Abstract: Abstract The chapter examines the evolving landscape of business entrepreneurship in India through three interrelated lenses: technology, society, and policy. The chapter evaluates whether digital infrastructure (broadband, cloud, platforms), fintech innovation (digital payments and lending), and national initiatives (Startup India, Digital India, Atal Innovation Mission) are enabling a shift toward a more distributed and inclusive ecosystem across tier-II and rural regions. Using a descriptive qualitative design, the study combines survey data from 109 professionals across 11 start-ups with 13 structured interviews with entrepreneurs. Findings indicate that venture activity remains predominantly tier-I (about 70%), with meaningful but limited participation from tier-II locations (19.3%) and minimal rural representation. Respondents largely view digital infrastructure as a key venture enabler (57.8% reporting high impact), yet scaling remains shaped by place-based constraints, particularly access to capital, mentorship, and predictable regulatory processes. Venture capital is perceived as the preferred financing pathway, while bootstrapping and personal savings remain substantial, and government funding is comparatively underutilized. Entrepreneurs also identify clean and renewable energy (38.1%) and sustainable agriculture as leading growth areas for the next five years. Overall, the chapter concludes that India’s entrepreneurial trajectory is promising but uneven, and future progress depends on last-mile connectivity, stronger tier-II incubation and mentorship capacity, simplified compliance, and entrepreneurship-oriented skill development.

Keywords: agriculture; cloud computing; digital infrastructure; digital payments; Entrepreneurship; Indian entrepreneurial landscape; innovation; manufacturing; Metropolitan Tech Clusters; Product Development; Rural Innovation Hubs; social welfare; startup ecosystem; start-ups (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/978-3-032-26500-5_14

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