External enablement of new venture creation: An exploratory, query-driven assessment of China's high-speed rail expansion

This study seeks to build upon empirical and conceptual work examining the characteristics, mechanisms, and roles of exogenous, actor-independent drivers of entrepreneurial actions and outcomes, known as “external enablers” (EE). These aggregate-level changes – ranging from unforeseen, episodic EEs such as natural disasters and pandemics, to evolving, pan-generational EEs such as socio-demographic shifts, climate change, and breakthrough technologies – constitute a burgeoning stream of research concerning the manner and degree to which disequilibrating circumstances facilitate or forestall business venturing. The central focus of our investigation takes up the critical issue of an EE's temporal, spatial, and sectoral scope. Specifically, we seek to extend and enhance the EE framework by offering a more nuanced assessment of how and why the actions and outcomes elicited by EEs vary, often significantly, as a function of an EE's characteristics. To delve into this emerging line of inquiry, we conduct an abductive, query-driven, exploratory investigation of the impact China's high-speed rail expansion has had on new business venturing. Our findings contribute to further refinement of the theoretical EE framework, provide an important road map for future empirical studies, and offer considerable practical and policy implications.