THE EVOLUTION AND DIVERSIFICATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP: A SYSTEMATIC LITERATURE REVIEW OF FOUNDATIONAL THEORIES AND CONTEMPORARY FRONTIERS

This systematic literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of the intellectual evolution and diversification of entrepreneurship as a field of academic inquiry. The study’s purpose is to map the theoretical landscape, trace its development from foundational economic and behavioral theories to its contemporary fragmented state, and synthesize the critical emerging trends at the intersection of digitalization and sustainability. The methodology employs a systematic review protocol, analyzing a curated selection of seminal books, high-impact journal articles, and influential institutional reports. The analysis is structured thematically, beginning with an in-depth examination of the foundational pillars of Schumpeter’s theory of creative destruction and Kirzner’s concept of entrepreneurial alertness. A core finding of this review is the identification of the twin transitions, digital and green, as the dominant force shaping contemporary entrepreneurship, creating a new archetype of the sustainable digital venture. This convergence is critically examined, exploring how digital platforms enable circular economies and new funding models, such as crowdfunding, while also highlighting the challenges of governance, digital divides, and sophisticated greenwashing. The paper concludes by identifying critical research gaps and proposing a forward-looking research agenda focused on the impact of artificial intelligence, the need to address systemic inequalities related to gender and inclusivity, and the development of coherent policy frameworks for a sustainable digital future. This review offers a structured and nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship’s past, present, and future, serving as a valuable resource for scholars and researchers navigating this dynamic and increasingly vital field.