Comparative international entrepreneurship: The software industry in the Indian sub-continent

Abstract

Purpose – In this chapter, we seek to extend understanding of the ‘international’ dimension of comparative international entrepreneurship (IE), by undertaking exploratory empirical research within a global industry viz. the software industry, and focusing on two local ecologies, namely a regional agglomeration (Bangalore, India) and less developed niche (Lahore, Pakistan) about which little is known.

Methodology – On the basis of in-depth interviews in Bangalore and Lahore, exemplar case studies from both sub-national regions are presented, which highlight the relative significance of local milieu and ethnic ties in IE.

Findings – The global nature of the software industry and the central role of the innovative milieu in the USA have important implications for the comparative IE literature. These refer particularly to the coordination and integration of the entrepreneurial processes of opportunity discovery, evaluation and exploitation across frontiers. Close inter-milieu links provide the opportunity to access complementary assets and business networks. While Indians have influenced the development of Silicon Valley, their ties with Bangalore seem primarily to be based on hard-nosed business relations. But in relation to Pakistan, while the US milieu is critical for all aspects of the entrepreneurial process, closed networks may be a barrier to long-term growth.

Originality/value of chapter – Where our study goes beyond the literature is by highlighting the role of cross-border linkages between milieux.

Citation

Prashantham, S., Qureshi, A. and Young, S. (2008), "Comparative international entrepreneurship: The software industry in the Indian sub-continent", Feldman, M.P. and Santangelo, G.D. (Ed.) New Perspectives in International Business Research (Progress in International Business Research, Vol. 3), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 165-187. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1745-8862(08)03008-2