Section VII: Entrepreneurship and Small Business

Title: The development of entrepreneurship in the Middle East and North Africa: an overview of constraints and perspectives

Author(s): Mohand-Said Oukil

Address: Department of Management and Marketing, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, P.O. Box 1867, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Reference: BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AND COMPETITIVENESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA pp. 309 - 318

Abstract/Summary: Little has been written about the question of why entrepreneurship development is slower in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region than elsewhere. This chapter discusses some of the key constraints and perspectives. The chapter draws from the literature and makes use of factual observations to show that an entrepreneurship development trend has yet to emerge in this region. Recourse to a strategic growth-based approach supports the argument that there is a particular need to emphasise technology entrepreneurship. Many factors make the MENA countries different. Among these factors, the cultural factor seems common in having a negative effect on their development of growth-based entrepreneurship. In a global competitiveness context, it is very important to discuss the deep-rooted factors blocking entrepreneurship development in the region. Awareness of such factors can help public authorities in acting appropriately to improve the general environment and promote the development of creativity in the region.

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