Transnational entrepreneurship and spillovers of sustainable knowledge in emerging economies

This study investigates the dynamics of transnational entrepreneurship and knowledge spillovers in the context of emerging economies, with a focus on sustainable business opportunities in Chinese metropolitan entrepreneurial ecosystems. Building upon the Knowledge Spillover Theory of Entrepreneurship (KTSE), which posits that uncommercialized knowledge can contribute to entrepreneurial ventures, the research addresses the spatial limitations of the theory, particularly in emerging economies. Concurrently, the study explores the role of transnational entrepreneurs, or global argonauts, who sustain business relationships between their domestic and host countries. The investigation aims to fill a theoretical gap by examining how transnational entrepreneurs engage with Chinese ecosystems to create sustainable ventures. Employing a qualitative case study methodology and prioritizing environmental and digitalized innovation, the research identifies empirically two knowledge spillover patterns: traditional spillovers from incumbents outside the host country and reverse spillovers initiated by transnational entrepreneurs within the host country. The findings contribute to the empirical understanding of mechanisms facilitating transnational entrepreneurs in developing sustainable business opportunities in emerging economies, extending the applicability of KTSE beyond spatial constraints and emphasizing the importance of sustainable ventures. Future research may explore the process of reverse knowledge spillovers and their scalability in emerging economies, with potential implications for policymaking, entrepreneurs, and multinational corporations.