Transformation through entrepreneurship in Latin America and the Caribbean: towards innovation, inclusion, and sustainable development

Abstract

Entrepreneurship, more than an economic reality, is a response to the needs of society. In Latin America, where heterogeneous realities and historical challenges intertwine, entrepreneurship is a way of resisting, of generating a future from within. It's not just about generating income or reducing unemployment and poverty; it's about opening up opportunities for small and medium-sized initiatives to generate transformation in their territories, conquer with innovative ideas, and collaborate for a more equitable economy. In a reality like the current one, the demand is for constant innovation, and entrepreneurship is positioned as an engine of change that strengthens regional competitiveness and allows for dreams of development where fairness prevails, where opportunities are not dependent on place of origin, but on the potential of each individual and community. Therefore, the main objective is to examine the transformation enabled by entrepreneurship and its impact on poverty, social inclusion, and sustainable growth. It examines notable entrepreneurial success stories, entrepreneurship support policies, challenges faced, and emerging opportunities. It also addresses the impact of entrepreneurship on job creation, technological innovation, and well-being, highlighting its importance in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This analysis aims to provide a comprehensive view of how entrepreneurship can transform economic and social contexts, as well as identify key areas for policymaking to foster a more robust and equitable entrepreneurial ecosystem in Latin America.