Categories of Entrepreneurship Theories

This index categorizes the major theoretical frameworks used to understand startup creation, opportunity recognition, and global business growth.

1. The Core Disciplines

Economic Theories Market incentives, resource allocation, and innovation (Schumpeter, Kirzner, Knight).
Psychological Theories Personality traits, internal locus of control, and the "Need for Achievement."
Sociological Theories Social networks, family influence, and the impact of social marginality on venturing.
Classical Theories The foundational roots featuring Richard Cantillon, Jean-Baptiste Say, and the risk-takers.
Indigenous Theories Theories make for entrepreneurship.

Cognitive Theories Mental maps, heuristics, and decision-making scripts used to navigate uncertainty.
Biological Theories Genetics, testosterone levels, and physiological traits of the "entrepreneurial gene."
Cultural Theories How national values and collective identity shape regional entrepreneurial density.
Philosophical Theories The ontology of ventures—examining the fundamental nature of being an entrepreneur.

Discovery Theories The core debate: Are opportunities objective realities or subjective creations?
Art, Creativity and Design Theories Design Thinking, creative problem-solving, and the aesthetics of innovation.
Process Theories Linear and non-linear models of the venture lifecycle from cradle to exit.
Managerial Theories Administrative execution, corporate venturing, and resource management.
Marketing Theories Customer development, brand equity, and viral growth loops in new ventures.

Organizational Behaviour Theories Startup leadership, motivation, and high-performance team dynamics.
Organization Theories Institutional environments, structural holes, and resource dependency.
Financial Theories Venture capital, signaling theory, and the economics of crowdfunding.
Technological Theories Innovation cycles, disruptive technology, and digital platform ecosystems.
Supply-chain & Operations Management science, lean systems, and optimizing the flow of value.

International Theories Born-global firms and the "Uppsala model" of internationalization.
Ethical Theories Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and ethics in high-stakes venturing.
Taxonomic Theories Classification systems for entrepreneurs: lifestyle, scalable, or serial.
Controversial Theories Disruptive ideas that challenge the standard academic paradigm.