Title: Technology entrepreneurship in the context of institutional voids: lessons from a BoP context

Authors: Rifat Sharmelly; Nitish Patidar; Mohammad Niamat Elahee

Addresses: School of Business, Department of Management, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mt Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, USA ' School of Business, Department of Management, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mt Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, USA ' School of Business, Quinnipiac University, 275 Mt Carmel Avenue, Hamden, CT, USA

Abstract: Bottom of the pyramid (BoP) markets are characterised by the presence of institutional voids. This study assesses the impact of institutional voids on the emergence and growth of technology entrepreneurships. This study investigates the evidence on technology-based entrepreneurial activities in the healthcare sector of Bangladesh, which is plagued by the incapacity of the state to ensure a functioning healthcare infrastructure. Drawing on institutional theory and technology entrepreneurship, this study posits that while the high degree of institutional voids and uncertainties in BoP markets create barriers for entrepreneurship, they also provide opportunities for technology entrepreneurships. Our analysis shows the technology enabled healthcare ventures have increased accessibility and improved healthcare outcomes for the underserved or completely unserved population in Bangladesh. This paper identifies the institutional voids classified according to Scott's (2001) taxonomy of 'three institutional pillars' and associated institutional mechanisms. The findings have important implications for theory development and policy formulation.

Keywords: bottom of the pyramid market; institutional theory; institutional voids; technology entrepreneurship; healthcare sector; Bangladesh.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBSR.2022.119617

International Journal of Business and Systems Research, 2022 Vol.16 No.1, pp.1 - 39

Received: 26 Jul 2019
Accepted: 23 Jan 2020
Published online: 11 Dec 2021 *

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