Operationalizing the entrepreneurial process: a structured, feedback-driven, stage-based model
International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal
Published online on July 08, 2026
Abstract
{"p"=>"Despite substantial interest in entrepreneurial action, limited progress has been made in operationalizing the entrepreneurial process as a structured, feedback-driven phenomenon. Existing research often treats entrepreneurship as a sequence of loosely connected events, leaving the internal logic of progression insufficiently specified. This paper applies process theory and a design approach to develop clearer structuration criteria for modeling the entrepreneurial journey. A four-stage process model—Propositions’ Storage, Idea Development, Concept Development, and Business Development, culminating in venture launch—is proposed. The model advances the literature by introducing purpose, feedback mechanisms, and artifact integrity as criteria for distinguishing subprocesses. These elements clarify how the entrepreneurial process evolves from early cognitive representations to tangible venture outputs, and why some trajectories accelerate, iterate, or stall. By highlighting the generative role of intra-process feedback, the model challenges event-driven explanations and delineates key differences between venture creation and organizational change, particularly in the recursive sequencing of tasks and the emergent nature of structural elements. In contrast to earlier models, this version renders the entrepreneurial process more consistent, comparable, coherent, predictable and systematically interpretable. This framework offers researchers a more operationalizable basis for examining the entrepreneurial process and comparing cases over time. Practically, the model supports educators, incubators, and ecosystem actors seeking structured, feedback-sensitive approaches for guiding entrepreneurs from initial ideas to viable ventures."}