Introduction

Abstract

Is eco-entrepreneurship (the provision of new products, processes, services with environmental benefits) different from standard entrepreneurship, where the emphasis is on the provision of private goods, processes, and services? In some sense, it must be because of the nature of the public goods outcome. There will be measurement and enforcement problems in eco-entrepreneurship that exceed those found for more standard new ventures. It is for these reasons government is normally associated with the provision of public goods. At the same time, however, society is increasingly turning to private individuals to respond to growing demands for environmental improvement. Private entrepreneurs are seen as reacting more quickly, more completely, and more precisely to environmental concerns. New technology, on which many environmental benefits are linked, typically requires private entrepreneurs to engage in discovery, development, and delivery. Business plans are prepared and presented to venture capitalists and other investors seeking to capture the private returns from these new ventures that also provide critical public goods. Yet, eco-entrepreneurship is not well understood regarding its motives, returns, products, services, organization, and property rights.

Citation

Libecap, G.D. (2009), "Introduction", Libecap, G.D. (Ed.) Frontiers in Eco-Entrepreneurship Research (Advances in the Study of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Economic Growth, Vol. 20), Emerald Group Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. ix-xx. https://doi.org/10.1108/S1048-4736(2009)0000020002