The aim of the chapter is to develop an understanding of how entrepreneurship works in different national, cultural and economic environments, and to recognise that whilst these factors affect the way in which an enterprise is developed within that situation, the practices and approaches used in Opportunity-Centred Entrepreneurship remain generally applicable.
The first section explores an example of social entrepreneurship which is of increasing interest worldwide, and thp case is especially relevant to developing economies. Social entrepreneurship is a means of rejuvenating communities, generating employment, providing valuable social and other services, and contributing the coveted 'triple bottom line' of economic, social and environmental value. The case describes the devel¬opment of an innovation to purify drinking water in Kenya, and provides an example of venture planning for an international social enterprise.
The second section focuses on the creative industries, in which there is growing interest and expectations of economic resurgence. An increasing number of students have started businesses based on creative ideas and skills, and this section introduces the concept of cultural diffusion to a creative enterprise. This provides a framework for the analysis of how creative enterprises transform ideas into commercial activity, and includes questions based on the five processes of cultural diffusion for use by students and early-stage creative entrepreneurs. This will be of value to businesses outside the creative industries, for example in hospitality and service industries.
The third section discusses the development of the low-cost airline industry in the UK, and explores the significance of entrepreneurial management in the development of this industry. It includes the formation of easyjet and Ryanair, the entry of corporate spin- out businesses in the guise of Go, Buzz and bmibaby, and the move towards consolidation in the industry. One of the significant themes in this case is the relative performance of independent and corporate ventures.