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A Nurse and a Civil Servant changing institutions: Entrepreneurial processes in different public sector organizations

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  • Sundin, Elisabeth
  • Tillmar, Malin

Abstract

Summary The notion that there is strong connection between the private sector and entrepreneurship has resulted in entrepreneurship in the public sector being neglected. This in turn leads to theoretical, practical and political shortcomings. The role of entrepreneurs as change agents is captured in the concept 'institutional entrepreneurs', but most studies focus on actors on the higher levels. This article sheds light on previously forgotten or ignored entrepreneurial processes, those taking place within the middle levels of the public sector, and which result in institutional change. We elaborate on the characteristics of the entrepreneurial processes and their prerequisites. The framework draws on the tension between entrepreneurship and the institutional context, and suggests a multi-level approach, drawing on insights from both entrepreneurship studies and new institutional theory. The cases highlight the importance of being able to create alliances and find sponsors to ensure freedom of action and grant legitimacy. The enabling and constraining aspects of the institutional context are illustrated and discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Sundin, Elisabeth & Tillmar, Malin, 2008. "A Nurse and a Civil Servant changing institutions: Entrepreneurial processes in different public sector organizations," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 24(2), pages 113-124, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:24:y:2008:i:2:p:113-124
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Petra C. M. Neessen & Marjolein C. J. Caniëls & Bart Vos & Jeroen P. Jong, 2019. "The intrapreneurial employee: toward an integrated model of intrapreneurship and research agenda," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 15(2), pages 545-571, June.
    2. Welter, Friederike & Smallbone, David, 2015. "Creative forces for entrepreneurship: The role of institutional change agents," Working Papers 01/15, Institut für Mittelstandsforschung (IfM) Bonn.
    3. Gregory O’Shea & Steffen Farny & Henri Hakala, 2021. "The buzz before business: a design science study of a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 56(3), pages 1097-1120, February.
    4. Yvonne von Friedrichs & Hakan Boter, 2009. "Meeting Radical Change and Regional Transition: Regional Closedowns and the Role of Entrepreneurship," Managing Global Transitions, University of Primorska, Faculty of Management Koper, vol. 7(2), pages 99-122.
    5. Patrik Zapata & María José Zapata Campos, 2019. "Cities, institutional entrepreneurship and the emergence of new environmental policies: The organizing of waste prevention in the City of Gothenburg, Sweden," Environment and Planning C, , vol. 37(2), pages 339-359, March.
    6. Peter Svensson & Magnus Klofsten & Henry Etzkowitz, 2011. "The Norrkoping Way: A Knowledge-based Strategy for Renewing a Declining Industrial City (refereed paper)," ERSA conference papers ersa10p1513, European Regional Science Association.
    7. Carnes, Christina Matz & Gilstrap, Frank E. & Hitt, Michael A. & Ireland, R. Duane & Matz, Jack W. & Woodman, Richard W., 2019. "Transforming a traditional research organization through public entrepreneurship," Business Horizons, Elsevier, vol. 62(4), pages 437-449.

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