2025 Volume 39 Issue 2 Pages 31-39
This study explores how internal and external factors jointly shape entrepreneurial decision-making in Japan, using the Qualitative Synthesis Method. Based on interviews with 16 entrepreneurs, the study reveals a layered structure in which motivations stimulate internal development—namely, mindset and skill set—which then guide engagement with external ecosystems. The entrepreneurial mindset acts as a central driver, influencing capabilities, network formation, and business scaling. These findings support the idea that entrepreneurial competencies are not innate static traits but are dynamically developed through ongoing interaction with the environment. While public support systems were found to be underutilized, they were still recognized as potentially important for future motivation. This study contributes to entrepreneurship research by offering a contextualized model tailored to Japan and provides practical implications for policymakers. These include fostering mindset development, simplifying access to public support systems, and promoting mechanisms to build human networks. The model visualizes a dynamic and iterative process from external to internal and back to external factors, reflecting the lived experiences of Japanese entrepreneurs. Future research should include quantitative validation and cross-country comparisons to enhance generalizability and policy relevance.
