Business Entrepreneurialism sees emergence of Social Entrepreneurialism: Ipsos Survey

Business Entrepreneurialism sees emergence of Social Entrepreneurialism: Ipsos Survey

Almost half of Indians polled commend government for encouraging entrepreneurship

 Ipsos Survey

MUMBAI: According to a new survey by Ipsos, a global market research agency, the traditional definition of entrepreneurialism is now undergoing a metamorphosis of sorts and is moving from pure play business entrepreneurialism and is adding a key element of social entrepreneurialism to make a definitive impact – so starting a new set up is good, but giving back to society will now complete the picture. 

“Business entrepreneurialism has been the primary motive of those who have forayed into entrepreneurship, in India. Social Entrepreneurship is the new emerging trend. It is either competing with business entrepreneurship or working in conjunction with business entrepreneurship and is creating a holistic picture of entrepreneurialism,” said Parijat Chakraborty, Executive Director, Public Affairs, Ipsos India.

The study was conducted online in 24 countries including India, among a more affluent, connected population, to coincide with Global Entrepreneurship Week (Nov. 12-18, 2018). The study has delved into new territory -entrepreneurship being manifested in non-economic start-ups (like Charities) and whether entrepreneurs are likely to be engaged in societies and emotions associated with entrepreneurialism.  

Capturing views on Entrepreneurial Experience, 40 per cent of Indians polled said that they have started at least one business in the past, while 39 per cent have considered starting it and 21 per cent denied. 25% of those polled said they have started a Charity or Community Group in the past and 39% have contemplated about doing it (balance, denied). 31 per cent Indians have started an Interest Group and 37% have considered doing it (the rest, denied). 

Chakrabortyis not alarmed with the figures: “Many of the business start-ups referred here are basic and rudimentary in nature, without demanding much investment or manpower. However, the sheer proportion of those who have dabbled in any business, two in five, is one of the highest in the world, points towards the high level of unemployment and underemployment in our country.”

The survey also mapped the entrepreneurial aspirations of Indians. And the response was quite encouraging. 50 per cent of those polled said that they would like to give wings to their aspirations and start a new business venture in the next two years. 19 per cent were neutral, while 31 per cent said that they were unlikely. 

Interestingly, 41% Indians have shown high entrepreneurial aspiration for starting a Charity or Community Group in the next two years, 21 per cent were neutral, while 38% were unlikely. Also, 45 per cent have shown entrepreneurial aspiration for starting an Interest Group. 18% were neutral and 37% were unlikely to do it. 

Net-Net – Total Entrepreneurial Aspirations (Business + Charity/ Community Group +Interest Group) in the next 2 years showed that 37% of Indians plan to start a business + 1 other (from social), 13% want to kick off business only; 19% are interested in Others (Charity/ Community Group/ Interest Group) only; and 31% seemed to have no interest in entrepreneurship at all.