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ICSB Sunday Times Editor’s note:
Settle in with a warm cup of hot cocoa as you open this week’s ICSB Sunday Times, where big ideas meet bold action. In this edition, we reflect on A.I. and Ecosystems – The Duel, questioning whether we are over-engineering innovation rather than removing barriers to entrepreneurs’ thriving. We also spotlight the ICSB World Congress Call for Papers in Washington, D.C., cutting-edge research on global scaling by SMEs, the 2026 Arts Entrepreneurship Conference at Florida State University, and the ICSB Golden Book Awards—bringing you the insights, conversations, and leadership shaping the future of entrepreneurship worldwide.
— Dr. Ayman ElTarabishy
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A.I. and Ecosystems – The Duel
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In 2020, I posed a question on Medium.com (article here) that made many uncomfortable: “What is an entrepreneurial ecosystem more than the act of removing our institutions and organizations to get them out of the way of the entrepreneurs?” Four years later, as artificial intelligence reshapes the foundation of how we work, create, and build, I find myself asking a harder version of that same question: Are we about to make the same mistake with AI that we made with entrepreneurial ecosystems?
When entrepreneurial ecosystems became the fashionable solution to economic development, we watched governments, universities, and organizations rush to “build” them. Frameworks were constructed. Consultants were hired. Initiatives were launched. Money flowed toward the artificial creation of something that, by its very nature, emerges organically when the conditions allow. We confused activity with progress, and in the process, we often created more barriers than we removed.t read more
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ICSB World Congress Call for Papers
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Set against the backdrop of the United States’ capital, a global hub of policy, innovation, and international collaboration, this Congress will celebrate entrepreneurship as a universal force for economic empowerment, social progress, and sustainable development. Just as the World Cup unites nations through shared passion and competition, this event will bring together the global MSME community to showcase excellence, share breakthrough innovations, and champion entrepreneurship as a catalyst for inclusive prosperity worldwide. Washington, D.C., stands at the intersection of policy and practice, where decisions shaping the global entrepreneurial landscape are made. (read more).
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ICSB Partner Spotlight
FSU to host 2026 Arts Entrepreneurship Conference!
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The 2026 Arts Entrepreneurship Conference will be held at Florida State University in Tallahassee from March 26–28, 2026, under the leadership of Eric Liguori. The interdisciplinary program brings together scholars, educators, artists, and practitioners to explore arts, entrepreneurship, and innovation, with highlights including a Meet the Editors session and a gala awards celebration on March 27. Submission deadline: February 10, 2026. (read more)
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CUTTING EDGE RESEARCH
Global scaling by SMEs: Role of innovation and technology
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This study examines how innovation and technology capabilities influence SMEs’ ability to scale globally, using survey data from 175 firms and regression analysis to test the relationships. The findings show that product replacement, acquisition of new technology, and effective use of existing technology platforms are positively associated with global scaling, while SMEs often struggle with limited R&D resources and intellectual property protection.(read more)
by: Hezron Osano
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The Founder’s Pivot Playbook: Navigating Growth, Constraints, and Stakeholders
If you’re interested in how founders actually make sense of high-stakes strategic pivots as their ventures scale check out our new article about a €70M mobile gaming startup – “The Founder’s Pivot Playbook: Navigating Growth, Constraints, and Stakeholders.” read more
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ICSB Top Five Books for 2025-2026
ICSB is proud to announce the ICSB Golden Book Awards for 2025–2026, celebrating the Top Five Essential Books shaping the future of entrepreneurship, innovation, and small business leadership. This year’s selection reflects the dynamic nature of knowledge itself. Three powerful new titles have entered the list for 2025–2026, while two exceptional works from the 2024–2025. (Read More)
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Why join the WomenCEO program in DC?
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Global Networking & Collaboration:
You’ll engage with a diverse international community of entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, policymakers, and ecosystem builders — unlocking opportunities for partnerships, research collaborations, and cross-border ventures that amplify impact far beyond your home region.
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Cutting-Edge Insights & Learning:
The Congress showcases world-class keynotes, research presentations, workshops, and best-practice case studies on emerging trends in entrepreneurship, innovation, policy, and ecosystem development — equipping you with the knowledge and tools to lead and transform in rapidly changing global environments.
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Influence & Visibility on the World Stage:
As a participant, you have the chance to shape the global entrepreneurship agenda, share your work with international peers, and elevate your voice in policy and practice — enhancing your personal, institutional, and national influence in the field.
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We are devoted to the interests and advancement of small business globally
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