Entrepreneurship And Economic Development: A Study Of Emerging Business Models In India

Abstract

Entrepreneurship has emerged as a pivotal driver of economic development in India, particularly through innovative and inclusive business models that are reshaping traditional industry dynamics. With government initiatives like Digital India and Start-up India catalyzing structural transformation, the entrepreneurial ecosystem has expanded significantly across sectors such as fintech, agritech, digital handicrafts, and sustainability ventures. The study investigates how emerging business models contribute to India’s economic growth, employment generation, and regional inclusion. Using a qualitative exploratory research design, the study engaged 60 participants, including entrepreneurs, investors, policy advisors, and incubator managers, through semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis was applied to identify critical patterns, supported by secondary data from policy documents and academic literature. Findings reveal that digital infrastructure, AI adoption, and policy support serve as key enablers of entrepreneurial success, particularly in urban centers. Conversely, challenges such as limited access to capital, regulatory complexity, and digital literacy gaps remain pervasive in rural and semi-urban contexts. Notably, the study highlights a rising trend in women-led ventures and grassroots innovation, emphasizing the growing inclusivity of India’s startup ecosystem. The study concludes that entrepreneurship in India is evolving toward a more inclusive, technology-driven, and regionally distributed model. To sustain and scale this momentum, targeted policy interventions, inclusive financial mechanisms, and regional ecosystem development are essential. The research contributes valuable insights into entrepreneurial strategies and policy recommendations, while also identifying areas for future academic inquiry.