The Impact of Entrepreneurial Networking on Startup Growth and Sustainability: Evidence from Emerging Economies

Abstract

This paper investigates how entrepreneurial networking influences startup growth and long-term sustainability across emerging economies. Drawing on social network theory and the resource-based view, we develop a mixed-methods study that combines social network analysis (SNA), survey data, and panel regression / structural equation modelling (SEM) to test direct and indirect effects of network structure, tie strength, and network orientation on firm growth (revenues, employee growth) and sustainability outcomes (financial resilience, environmental/social practices). Primary data will be collected from 600 early-stage startups across three emerging market regions (South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America), complemented by 30 in-depth founder interviews to unpack mechanisms. We hypothesise that (a) larger and more diverse networks increase access to resources and market opportunities, thus driving short-term growth; (b) network centrality and bridging

Introduction

Entrepreneurship drives economic growth through job creation, innovation, and national development, but startups face resource constraints and competitive uncertainty. Entrepreneurial networks—comprising mentors, investors, peers, incubators, customers, and online communities—provide critical support by offering resources, guidance, information, and business opportunities. Strong networks enhance startup survival, scalability, and success, but many founders struggle to effectively leverage them.

The study explores how different types of networks—social, business/professional, institutional, and digital—impact startup performance. Social networks provide informal support and initial connections; business networks enable collaborations and faster market entry; institutional networks offer legitimacy, funding, and policy guidance; and digital networks facilitate global access and cross-border opportunities.

Using a mixed-methods approach, including surveys (20 respondents) and interviews (5 participants), the study examines how network characteristics (size, diversity, tie strength) influence knowledge acquisition, access to finance, and business model innovation, ultimately affecting startup growth and sustainability. External factors such as institutional quality, digital connectivity, and entrepreneur demographics also moderate these outcomes.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates the vital role of entrepreneurial networks in shaping the growth and sustainability of startups in emerging economies. Networks serve as critical conduits for resources, knowledge, finance, and legitimacy—especially where formal institutions are weak. The findings support theories that view networks as strategic and dynamic capabilities that enable startups to navigate uncertainties and build long-term resilience.

References

[1] Abbas, J. (2019). Entrepreneurial networks and firm sustainability. Sustainability Journal. [2] Chen, F. (2018). Entrepreneurship, social networks, and economic growth. MDPI Journals. [3] Daradkeh, M. (2023). Network and entrepreneurial orientations in emerging economies. [4] Peng, H. (2022). Social networks and venture growth patterns. [5] Riaz, S. (2024). Entrepreneurial success and networks in Pakistan. [6] World Bank Reports on emerging economy startup ecosystems (2018–2024). [7] Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) annual reports.

Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Dr. Ujwala Narkhede, Pranav Meshram, Murtuza Khan, Aman Khobragade. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.