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History of Entrepreneurship by Ayesha Kiran
History of Entrepreneurship by Ayesha Kiran
enterprise with the aim of generating a financial gain. Entrepreneurs are individuals
who identify an opportunity in the market and take the risk of investing time, money,
successes and failures. They also possess a deep understanding of the market they are
operating in and the needs of their customers. Entrepreneurs are individuals who
possess the vision, creativity, and drive to turn an idea into a viable business.
Entrepreneurship has the potential to drive economic growth and create new jobs, as
Entrepreneurship can take many forms, from starting a small business to creating a
entrepreneurs share a common set of characteristics and skills that allow them to turn
Entrepreneurship has a long and complex history that stretches back thousands of
innovation, creating new products and services, and shaping the world we live in
today.
of Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Merchants and traders played a crucial role in the
cultures and regions. They developed new technologies and systems of exchange,
During the Middle Ages, guilds and craftsmen emerged as a driving force behind the
entrepreneurs used their skills and knowledge to create products that met the needs of
opportunities.
The 18th and 19th century's Industrial Revolution was a significant milestone in the
and commerce.
Inventors like James Watt, Eli Whitney, and Thomas Edison pioneered new
technologies and systems of production, laying the foundation for the modern
manufacturing economy. They created new products and services that revolutionized
systems enabled businesses to connect with new markets and customers, creating
The beginning of Trade
In the history of entrepreneurship, the first traders and merchants emerged as the
earliest examples. The first documented instance of human trading dates back to
around 17,000 BCE in New Guinea when locals traded obsidian, a black volcanic
glass utilized to create hunting heads, for other valuable commodities. Domestication
of animals began in around 15,000 BCE and plants in around 10,000 BCE, marking a
significant step towards agriculture that was instrumental in the progress of the human
species. The advent of agriculture enabled humans to settle in one place and start
creating large cities and communities, which was the basis of civilization and
change in the way humans lived, leading to a stable population and paving the way for
the growth of mankind from 15 million to over 7 billion in the present day.
With the growth of stable cities, the importance of expertise became apparent as
different people within each tribe focused on specialized tasks such as agriculture,
hunting, gathering, cooking, and building. This specialization and division of labor
led to increased efficiency and new processes, which helped people to trade among
themselves for different goods and services, increasing profits for everyone. The
allowing for the establishment of new public institutions such as religious centers,
courts, and markets. The growth of cities further increased specialization and created
new jobs in areas such as tool-making, pottery, carpentry, wool, and stone. This
specialization led to the creation of products that were faster and better than those
the last ice age around 8000 BC resulted in the melting of the poles, raising the sea
level and creating a boundary between Siberia and North America, which created two
distinct human civilizations for nearly 10,000 years until the arrival of European
The Middle Eastern region between the Tigris and Euphrates provided the ideal
environment for civilization to develop due to the abundance of plants and animals.
By 4,000 BCE, horses were domesticated in Central Asia, which proved useful for
agriculture and warfare. The first cities and colonies were established in Sumer, now
Iraq, around 3,000 BCE. Uruk, situated on the Euphrates, had a population of 50,000
in an area that could only have sustained one hunter. Humans have become adept at
producing the necessary food and energy to support their communities. Human
civilization first emerged along rivers such as the Nile, Tigris and Euphrates, Indus,
Yellow, and Yangtze. In early societies, writing was used to track crops, and the first
armies and local governments were established. Agricultural settlements led to rapid
development and intellectual and scientific progress. Trade routes also facilitated the
spread of ideas and memes. For more information, refer to the History Channel's
The Middle Eastern region between the Tigris and Euphrates was fertile and had the
necessary mix of plants and animals to support the foundation of civilization. Central
Asian people began domesticating horses around 4000 BCE, providing great utility in
agriculture and warfare. Sumer, which is now Iraq, established the first colonies and
cities around 3000 BCE. The city of Uruk had 50,000 people in a space that
previously would have only supported one hunter. The emergence of civilization led
to the development of trade routes between new cities. Travelers were able to
transport both goods and ideas between civilizations using donkeys, horses, and
camels. Boats were built for river transport, and networks and airports developed
rapidly. The Great Pyramid was built in Cairo, and temples were built in Sumer.
Advances in warfare were made with the discovery of iron around 2000 BCE, leading
to centuries of turmoil. Small cities developed into large empires with complex
political systems, philosophies, and beliefs between 500 BCE and 117 CE, such as the
Persian Empire, Alexander Empire, Han Chinese Empire, and Roman Empire. The
and Islam, emerged between 1300 BCE and 600 CE. Trade routes expanded and
brought new goods, such as salt from Africa to Rome, rice from China to Asia, and
coffee, lemons, and oranges to Europe for the first time. The discovery of gunpowder
in China around 800 CE and the introduction of the modern number system to Europe
developed the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca empires, isolated from the rest of the world
until Columbus' voyages connected Europe and America in 1492, bringing guns,
horses, and disease. The importance of Atlantic trade led to a shift in power to
Europe, setting the foundation for the global world and the fusion of hemispheres.
Trade routes expanded and brought new goods, such as salt from Africa to Rome, rice
from China to Asia, and coffee, lemons, and oranges to Europe for the first time. The
discovery of gunpowder in China around 800 CE and the introduction of the modern
advancements. The Americas developed the Aztec, Mayan, and Inca empires, isolated
from the rest of the world until Columbus' voyages connected Europe and America in
Initially, trade relied on the direct exchange of goods, where one good was exchanged
for another. For instance, if Tom possessed 20 cows and Igor had 80 hens, they would
agree on the exchange rate, say, one cow for four hens, and complete the transaction.
However, the primary flaw of this trading system was that it required both parties to
have what the other needed, which was rare. Consequently, the increasing demand for
business and trade stimulated the emergence of the financial system. Records indicate
that silver rings or ingots were employed as a means of exchange in ancient Iraq
before 2000 BC. The earliest form of currency was usually commodities, including
shells, tobacco leaves, round stones, or pearls, that were traded as currency.
Although the financial system still has a lot of development to do (credit and paper do
not exist), what it created more than four thousand years ago is very important for the
world we live in. Finance, the accepted method of saving value and giving change,
has improved our world, our lives, our abilities and our future.
Feudalism was the prevailing cultural system in the Western world in 1100,
kingdoms and castles. During this time, long-distance trade was flourishing, and
Europeans were discovering new and exciting worlds full of exotic spices, oriental
treasures, and precious silks. Three and a half centuries later, despite facing
challenges like the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War, Europe emerged
stronger and appeared to be on the cusp of taking its market to the next level, thereby
setting the stage for the advent of market competition as we know it today.
expanded. The banking industry, which had its origins in ancient Mesopotamia,
became increasingly complex and prominent. The guild system expanded, and the
idea that businesses are separate entities with identities distinct from their owners took
hold. The importation of silver from the New World fuelled business expansion, and
raising capital, taking risks, and promoting economic growth. The power of
government increased.
In the early stages of capitalism, the concept of profit was looked down upon and
shunned by many. The Christian Church prohibited ten practices, including taking
interest on loans. Roles were assigned based on tradition and ethnicity, which
century England, when mass production began in the weaving industry, the guilds
protested. The king banned an efficient workshop with 200 looms and provisions for
workers like butchers and bakers, as it would reduce the number of available jobs. In
the late 1600s, new button makers in France were persecuted and attacked, and the
importation of calico cloth cost 16,000 lives. However, the world would soon realize
that innovation is generally a positive force that improves our lives, and that
Heilbroner in The Worldly Philosophers, "The birth of the printing press, writing
instruments, windmills, clocks, maps, and many other inventions took place during
ancient times. The very concept of invention was established, and experimentation
and innovation were welcomed for the first time."However, the world would soon
realize that innovation is generally a positive force that improves our lives, and that
technologies that drive us into the future. Our present, built on the seeds of the past, is
Despite this history, we forge ahead every day, adding new chapters to the ongoing
Over the last 200 years, the history of humanity has been largely defined by the rise of
machines and markets. However, the origins and role of markets have been the
popular between 1550 and 1800, promoted the idea that a country's wealth was
determined by the amount of gold and silver it possessed and how much it exported
compared to imported goods. This view discouraged competition and trade, favoring
In contrast, a new school of thought emerged in the 18th century, with Adam Smith
leading the way in promoting trade as a source of wealth. His book, Inquiry into the
Nature and Causes of the Wealth of Nations, argued that self-interest, properly
prevented selfish individuals from exploiting markets and resources, and ultimately
This principle of competition is what drives the market, creating a balance between
supply and demand that sets prices and allocates resources efficiently. No central
relationship of supply and demand and competition, creates a price that allocates
companies effectively to create the right price and service." This system of free
markets has enabled a higher standard of living and continued economic growth.
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The opening of the industrialized age
The birth of the industrial age can be traced back to the invention of the steam engine
by Thomas Newcomen in Devon, Great Britain in 1712. However, it was not until
James Watt's improvement on the design in 1763, which allowed the piston to work
instead of moving the body, that the industrial revolution began to take shape.
By the time Adam Smith passed away in 1790, the early stages of the industrial
revolution had already begun. This revolution, although often cruel and brutal, was a
product of the Renaissance, humanism, and the emphasis on science and technology.
It would have a profound impact on the world and give birth to both communism and
industrial titans.
Despite the questionable ethics of some of the industrial giants such as Andrew
Carnegie, J.P. Morgan, John D. Rockefeller, and Frank Kenan, they cannot be denied
as innovators who drove the concept of mass production and economies of scale.
Their contributions to the industry brought about new ways of doing business and
created efficiencies across various sectors.
towards services and knowledge-based industries. Entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs, Bill
Gates, and Mark Zuckerberg built global technology companies that transformed the
customers around the world, and access vast amounts of data and information.
Social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram also played a key role
Another important trend in modern entrepreneurship has been the focus on social and
that not only generate profits but also address social and environmental challenges.
This trend has been driven in part by the growing awareness of the impact of climate
Governments and universities have also played a key role in the growth of
entrepreneurs. Universities have also played a crucial role, with many offering
Despite the many opportunities available to modern entrepreneurs, there are also a
One of the biggest challenges facing entrepreneurs is the rapid pace of technological
change. New technologies and trends are emerging all the time, and entrepreneurs
entrepreneurs enter the fray and established businesses seek to compete with new
startups. This can make it difficult for entrepreneurs to differentiate themselves and
emerging economies where capital markets may be less developed. This can make it
difficult to start and grow a business, as entrepreneurs may struggle to secure the
believed to have emerged in the West during the 18th century, during the Industrial
industries and businesses.Prior to this period, most economies in the West were
the Industrial Revolution changed all that, leading to the emergence of factories and
the production of goods on a much larger scale. This, in turn, created opportunities for
entrepreneurs to develop new products, processes, and services to meet the needs of
during this time was the availability of capital. As new industries emerged, there was
a need for investment in machinery, equipment, and infrastructure. This led to the
development of new financial institutions, such as banks and investment firms, which
provided funding for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.Another factor
was the rise of a new class of entrepreneurs who were willing to take risks and
innovate. These individuals were often self-made, having risen from humble
create something new and to make a name for themselves in a rapidly changing
world.The role of the state also played a significant role in the emergence of
entrepreneurship. Many governments in the West recognized the importance of
entrepreneurship continues to play a vital role in the economies of the West and is
have become household names and serve as role models for aspiring business owners
around the world. From the Industrial Revolution to the present day, entrepreneurship
has been a constant force for change and progress, shaping the course of history in the
the East, dating back to ancient times. However, the emergence of modern
entrepreneurship in the East can be traced back to the early 20th century, when many
countries in the region began to experience rapid economic and social changes.One
key factor in the emergence of entrepreneurship in the East was the impact of
colonialism. Many countries in the region were colonized by Western powers, which
brought new technologies, institutions, and ideas that laid the groundwork for
created opportunities for entrepreneurs to start businesses and make money. Many
countries in the region were colonized by Western powers, which brought new
technologies, institutions, and ideas that laid the groundwork for entrepreneurship.
was the rise of nationalist movements in the region. Many East Asian countries, such
as China, India, and Indonesia, gained independence from colonial powers in the mid-
20th century. This led to the development of new policies and institutions that were
investment, provided funding for new businesses, and promoted education and
zones that offered tax incentives and other benefits to entrepreneurs.The emergence of
entrepreneurship in the East has also been driven by cultural factors. Many East Asian
countries have a long history of entrepreneurship, with small businesses and family-
East Asian cultures place a high value on hard work, innovation, and risk-taking,
continues to play an important role in the economies of East Asia. The region is home
to many successful entrepreneurs, including some of the world's largest and most
such as limited access to capital, bureaucratic red tape, and a shortage of skilled
grow and evolve in the coming years, as countries in the region seek to harness the
developing countries by creating new jobs, driving economic growth, and promoting
innovation. Here are some ways that entrepreneurship can bring about change in
Entrepreneurship can drive economic growth by creating new products and services,
increasing productivity, and boosting exports. This can help to stimulate economic
develop new ideas and solutions to existing problems. This can lead to the creation of
new products and services that address unmet needs, improve efficiency, and increase
competitiveness.
Social impact: Entrepreneurship can also have a positive social impact by addressing
social issues and improving quality of life in developing countries. For example,
entrepreneurs can develop products and services that address issues such as access to
and resources they need to start their own businesses and become self-sufficient. This
can help to create a more equitable and inclusive society where everyone has the
opportunity to succeed.
To realize these benefits, developing countries must create a supportive ecosystem for
entrepreneurship, access to funding and other resources, and education and training
programs that help individuals develop the skills they need to start and grow
their full potential and create a brighter future for their citizens.
Here are some of the ways in which entrepreneurship can facilitate innovation and
change:
opportunities that others may have overlooked. This could be in the form of a new
entrepreneurs can develop innovative solutions that can lead to significant change.
Creating new products and services: Entrepreneurs are often responsible for
creating new products and services that can transform industries. They are able to
bring together different technologies and ideas to create something that is truly unique
and innovative.
Developing new business models: Entrepreneurs are often able to develop new
business models that can disrupt traditional industries. By finding new ways to do
things, entrepreneurs can change the way industries operate and create new
opportunities for growth and development.
Overall, entrepreneurship plays a critical role in driving innovation and change, and
can have a significant impact on society as a whole.
Entrepreneurship in Pakistan:
Entrepreneurship has been on the rise in Pakistan in recent years, with a growing
number of individuals starting their own businesses and creating new opportunities
for economic growth and development. Here are some key facts and trends related to
entrepreneurship in Pakistan:
Pakistan's economy, accounting for around 40% of GDP and employing over 80% of
support entrepreneurship and SMEs, including the establishment of the Small and
Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) and the National
Pakistan, with more and more women starting their own businesses and pursuing
entrepreneurial opportunities.
Pakistan, with a growing number of startups and incubators focused on areas such as
Despite these positive trends, Pakistan still faces a number of challenges related to
Overall, entrepreneurship has the potential to play a critical role in driving economic
growth and development in Pakistan, and there are a number of promising trends and
entrepreneurship. Here are some key factors that suggest a bright future for
entrepreneurship in Pakistan:
Growing economy: Pakistan's economy has been growing at a steady pace in recent
years, creating new opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation. The country's
strategic location, abundant natural resources, and growing middle class all make it an
Youthful population: Pakistan has a very young population, with more than 60% of
its population under the age of 30. This demographic presents a significant
opportunity for entrepreneurship, as young people are often more innovative, creative,
Pakistan has created new opportunities for entrepreneurship, particularly in areas such
policies and programs to support entrepreneurship and SMEs, such as the National
supportive government, a young and talented workforce, and a growing economy all
Summary:
risk-taking ability, and a deep understanding of the market and customer needs. It has
the potential to drive economic growth, create new jobs, and provide innovative
characteristics and skills that allow them to turn their ideas into reality and achieve
their goals. The history of entrepreneurship can be traced back thousands of years to
ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece, and Rome. Early entrepreneurs were
traders and merchants who developed new technologies and systems of exchange,
laying the foundation for the modern marketplace. The history of entrepreneurship
can be traced back thousands of years to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, Greece,
and Rome. Early entrepreneurs were traders and merchants who developed new
technologies and systems of exchange, laying the foundation for the modern
marketplace. The Industrial Revolution of the 18th and 19th centuries marked a major
world of industry and commerce. The history of entrepreneurship started with the first
example of human trade around 17,000 BCE in New Guinea, where local people
traded obsidian, a black volcanic glass used to make hunting heads for other valuable
items. Agriculture was a major turning point that allowed people to stay in one place,
specialize and become more efficient, resulting in the growth of villages and towns,
The emergence of entrepreneurship in both the West and the East. In the West,
entrepreneurship emerged during the 18th century with the Industrial Revolution,
which led to the creation of new industries and businesses, the availability of capital,
and the rise of a new class of entrepreneurs. The state also played a significant role in
20th century, due in part to the impact of colonialism, the rise of nationalist
role in both regions, with the potential to bring about job creation, economic growth,