Perspectives on commons-based entrepreneurship and community development

Abstract

Entrepreneurship plays a key role in community development contributing to the local economy. Emergent literature on commons-based entrepreneurship aims at understanding the enterprise impact on community resources, shared governance, and various dimensions of commons. In this article, we highlight the linkage between commons and community development through entrepreneurship. We illustrate this linkage with key activities mapped to its impact on commons and community development with the case of a farm enterprise in India. Relying on secondary data, we elaborate on how the enterprise’s activities can be linked to natural, knowledge, and operational dimensions of the commons. Further, we map its impact on the community’s environment, economy, and society. This illustration shows the theory in action and underscores the need for policymakers to support entrepreneurs, understand the value proposition of the enterprise and the various roles of the community, and engage in the evolution of the commons-based entrepreneurial venture to truly be developmental and transformational for the community.