Browsing by Subject "Scaling"

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Degrowth attitudes among entrepreneurs hinder fast venture scaling
(2024) Hinderer, Sebastian; Kuckertz, Andreas
The degrowth paradigm has gained popularity in the sustainability discourse in recent years. Questioning the absolute decoupling of economic growth from environmental degradation, degrowth proponents suggest downscaling production and consumption to reduce resource extraction and energy consumption. However, this seems to be at odds with conventional wisdom about entrepreneurship. Thus, our research aims to shed light on the implications of the degrowth discourse on entrepreneurship. We answer how degrowth attitudes among (sustainable) entrepreneurs are associated with decision‐making on scaling strategies for their ventures. Differentiating between scaling fast and scaling slow strategies, we show that a degrowth attitude is negatively associated with scaling fast strategies, whether entrepreneurs consider themselves sustainable or not. However, sustainable entrepreneurship is positively associated with scaling slow strategies. Furthermore, we show that the development level of the economy an entrepreneur is active in is an essential factor in the decision‐making on scaling strategies.
Identifying governance challenges in scaling biofortification programs and the potential of training: a case study of Uganda
(2025) Alioma, Richard; Zeller, Manfred; Birner, Regina; Bosch, Christine; Muayahoto, Bho; Zeller, Manfred; Department of Rural Development Theory and Policy, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany; Birner, Regina; Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany; Bosch, Christine; Department of Social and Institutional Change in Agricultural Development, Hohenheim University, Stuttgart, Germany; Muayahoto, Bho; HarvestPlus, International Food Policy Research Institute, Washington, DC, United States
Introduction: Biofortification initiatives can significantly help reduce micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries. However, when hidden hunger affects a large segment of the population, large-scale implementation is necessary to achieve the desired results. We aimed to identify governance challenges in biofortification, and potential remedies based on a conceptual framework that considers low demand and the invisible nature of micronutrient traits in crops. Methods: Using process net maps and quantitative methods, this paper explores how farmer training can address governance issues. Results: Results show that, in addition to common agricultural marketing issues, sweet potato vine multipliers struggle with vine supply, value chain actors adulterate iron beans, and consumers are hesitant to pay higher prices for biofortified crops. These problems may result from information asymmetry, merit goods, collective action issues, and free riding. Furthermore, training had little impact on reducing the governance challenge arising from information asymmetry. Discussion/conclusion: One of the key solutions was investing in subsidies to increase production and raise awareness of the importance of nutritious foods. With governance problems, there is a need to take them into consideration when planning and expanding biofortification programs.