Green entrepreneurship in the renewable energy sector – a case study of Gujarat

Abstract

PurposeGreen entrepreneurs driven by environmental concerns stand at the heart of greening the economic activities right from their inception. This study aims to conceptualize this emerging concept in the context of developing nations by identifying the factors that shape the green entrepreneurship ecosystem with special reference to the solar energy sector in Gujarat.Design/methodology/approachThis study is exploratory in nature and relies on secondary literature available on green entrepreneurship. Case study approach has been used for which primary data has been collected by formal scheduled interviews of three green entrepreneurs operating in the renewable energy sector of Gujarat, India. Cross-case analysis has been taken up to analyze the findings.FindingsThis study offers valuable insights into the major motivations and barriers as well as policy suggestions to foster an environment of green entrepreneurship, particularly in the renewable energy sector of India.Research limitations/implicationsBecause of the chosen approach wherein only three case studies have been considered of green entrepreneurs operating in the renewable energy sector of Gujarat, the results cannot be generalized, as they are also sector specific. Further researches can take up more quantitative approaches to make the results generalizable and extend them to other sectors.Practical implicationsExploring the opportunities and challenges of green entrepreneurship in renewable energy sector has significant sector specific policy implications for developing countries like India.Originality/valueGreen entrepreneurship’ is a relevant but under-researched topic, especially in the developing nations’ context. This study adds to the literature by making a sector specific analysis of green entrepreneurs in renewable energy sector of Gujarat.