Overview

In today’s innovation-driven global economy, there is much to be learned from the lived experience of disabled entrepreneurs in respect of support, be it by governments, charitable organisations, professional bodies or universities. Addressing the ongoing problem of inequality in access and opportunities unites all these entities. The issue this book addresses is how the innovation and entrepreneurship created by disabled people are variously supported in different national contexts. What influences the availability of resources in support of entrepreneurship and innovation by disabled people – and what works? Representative country case studies in this publication are India, Nigeria, Hungary, the United States and Türkiye. The book also draws on previous research in the UK. These countries illustrate the variations in how research into entrepreneurship undertaken by disabled people is focused on key national and regional issues. The contributions provide a summary and critique of existing legislative and policy approaches. These are detailed examples, but they are not unique and 14 different non-European countries have been identified where research on innovative entrepreneurs with disabilities has been undertaken. These include Brazil, China, Ecuador, Indonesia, Nepal and South Africa. In this Policy Expo the authors consider how inequalities in participation, access and opportunity are addressed in different countries and regions. They consider the design and implementation of policies in support of disabled entrepreneurs in order to provide an impetus to include and improve larger entrepreneurship and innovation systems. The country chapters provide an analysis and critique of current national and policy provisions and also address overall socioeconomic benefits, beyond those of the individual. Examples are given of the experiences of disabled entrepreneurs to illustrate these points.

Full Product Details

9781041142355

Table of Contents

Reviews

This is a highly recommended book on an issue which has been under-addressed up until now – namely how to release the untapped potential of disabled entrepreneurs and innovators. The book presents the evidence on barriers to entrepreneurship by people with disabilities and shows how policies can and should react in different national and regional contexts. Jonathan Potter, Head of Entrepreneurship Policy and Analysis Unit, Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions and Cities, OECD The analysis of different approaches and outcomes of the nations studied is invaluable; enabling us through lived experiences to assess what works, and where advances can be made. Recognising the challenges and offering tangible solutions, we see that disabled entrepreneurs bring a range of positive attributes and perspectives to the business world, enriching it in unique ways. From creative thinking and better design to adaptability and resilience. By highlighting the innovative and inclusive approach disabled entrepreneurs bring to their business and to the wider economy, this book is a significant resource and highly recommended for policy makers and everyone seeking to widen opportunity for disabled entrepreneurs. Helene Martin Gee, President Savvitas, House of Lords Adviser on Entrepreneurship; NED, Global Entrepreneurship Network UK This vital work puts the importance of lived experience to developing policy front-and-centre, and shines a spotlight on an issue the financial services sector needs to do more to address. There are a number of valuable – and much-needed – lessons that can be drawn from the real-world examples in this book; putting these lessons into practice can help remove barriers to everyone being able to unleash their inner entrepreneur. Anna Roughley, Deputy Chief Executive, Lending Standards Board Creating effective global policies that genuinely recognise and support disabled entrepreneurs isn’t just a nice-to-have - it’s essential. Disabled entrepreneurs bring creativity, resilience, and a drive to solve problems that others often overlook. When we match their potential with the right resources and support, we’re not only giving them a fair shot; we’re building a world where diverse ideas and perspectives fuel economic growth and social progress. Imagine the untapped innovation we’re missing out on without these voices. It’s time to bridge those gaps and make sure everyone with the talent and drive has the chance to succeed, not just for their own gain but for the benefit of all of us. Dr Shani Dhanda, Inclusion + Accessibility Specialist and Social Entrepreneur Entrepreneurs by their nature are natural problem solvers. It is no coincidence that many come from diverse backgrounds including socio-economic and neurodivergent, overcoming wider life challenges. Entrepreneurs recognise this as enabling superpowers and not limiters. It begs the question therefore, why disabled people are too often held back, often treated as second-class citizens. This book excellently debates these issues. I hope that once read, it becomes the catalyst to a full debate on how we equalise opportunities for all. Mark Huxley, Master, The Company of Entrepreneurs

Author Information

Helen Lawton Smith is Professor of Entrepreneurship at Birkbeck, University of London, London, UK Connie L. McNeely is Professor of Public Policy at George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA Jacqueline Winstanley is the Founder and Director of Universal Inclusion and The Inclusive Entrepreneur Network, Manchester, UK Ayşe Seyyide Kaptaner Demirhan is a Project Manager at KCA Consulting, Turkey.

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