Title: Entrepreneurial growth strategies in Central Asia: a mid-transition typology of 4S

Authors: Gül Berna Özcan

Addresses: School of Management, Royal Holloway, University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 OEX, UK

Abstract: With empirical evidence gathered from three Central Asian states, we develop a typology of dynamic strategies by which firms adapt to market conditions. These are characterised by 'sliding' into vertical expansion, 'skipping' from one business into an entirely different one, horizontal expansion by 'scooping' up kindred functions, and 'specialising' to exploit lucrative niches. This we call the 4S typology. The disadvantage of this exuberance is that most entrepreneurs remain in a disjointed state of skipping as they face competition from fellow imitators and absorption from exploiters.

Keywords: transition entrepreneurship; small business strategy; growth typology; Central Asia.

DOI: 10.1504/IJESB.2021.112249

International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 2021 Vol.42 No.1/2, pp.232 - 258

Received: 07 Aug 2018
Accepted: 10 Nov 2018
Published online: 06 Jan 2021 *

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