Third annual workshop on Entrepreneurship and External Enablers
Denis Grégoire with MMTC Director Leona Achtenhagen and Per Davidsson.
MMTC Hosts Third Annual Workshop on Entrepreneurship and External Enablement
On December 9-10, MMTC and Jönköping International Business School (JIBS) welcomed researchers from around the globe for the third annual workshop on "Entrepreneurship and External Enablement for Entrepreneurship." The two-day event brought together experts to explore innovative approaches in studying the external factors that influence entrepreneurial behavior and outcomes.
Pioneering Research Through Experimentation
This year's workshop centered on "Experimental EE Research," focusing on the use of experimentation to analyze how external changes impact entrepreneurship. The initiative was spearheaded by Professors Per Davidsson, from both JIBS and Queensland University of Technology, and Leona Achtenhagen, Director of the Media, Management, and Transformation Centre (MMTC) at JIBS.
"Experimentation is becoming an increasingly vital method in entrepreneurship research," explained Leona Achtenhagen, highlighting the workshop's emphasis on advancing this methodology.
Participants were asked to share preliminary ideas before the event and received constructive feedback during the sessions. "Our goal is to help them refine their research and move in the right direction," added Per Davidsson.
Insights from a Renowned Guest Speaker
The workshop featured input from Denis Grégoire, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at HEC Montreal. Grégoire expressed optimism about the event’s outcomes, stating, "I hope participants leave with a wealth of new ideas to further their research."
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship at JIBS
Entrepreneurship is a cornerstone of JIBS' identity. The school has championed entrepreneurship research since its inception, building a robust profile area titled "Entrepreneurship in Context."
"JIBS was among the pioneers in Sweden to invest in entrepreneurship research, and this focus continues to differentiate us, with workshops like this, we aim to strengthen our position as a leader in the field."
Leona Achtenhagen
Exploring External Enablement in Entrepreneurship
The concept of External Enablers (EE) examines how external changes—such as new technologies, regulatory shifts, or macroeconomic trends—create opportunities for entrepreneurial ventures. By structuring and analyzing these factors, researchers aim to understand their role in fostering innovation and business growth.
The MMTC workshop served as a collaborative platform for advancing this crucial area of research, reinforcing its relevance in shaping the future of entrepreneurship studies.
Looking Ahead
As the third iteration of this annual event, the workshop continues to elevate JIBS' entrepreneurship research profile while contributing valuable insights to the global academic community. The event’s success underscores the growing importance of understanding external enablers in driving entrepreneurial success.
