Multi-stakeholder networks as learning settings towards pro-environmental entrepreneurship: learning through the diversity and policy-practice interface

The article explores the value of stakeholder diversity for learning towards pro-environmental entrepreneurship in multi-stakeholder networks (MSNs). Networks are viewed as entrepreneurial learning settings where stakeholder diversity frames the access to knowledge, practice and stakeholder dialogues. A qualitative case study research design is used to explore the experiences of learning towards pro-environmental entrepreneurship across 15 organisations as part of a well-established MSN with over 140 members operating in the Midlands. Stakeholder dialogues are identified as a significant feature of the MSN and reveal the policy-practice interface. The article shows how learning in MSNs is informed by the policy-practice interface, and as such expose the policy-practice gap and orient entrepreneurial behaviour. A view of a MSN as a dynamic learning system that brings together, often conflicting, agendas of environmental stakeholders and supports development of pro-environmental entrepreneurship as a pathway to sustainable regional development is argued. Policy makers and business support agencies are advised to pay a close attention to MSNs as mechanisms for the development of entrepreneurial activity which is policy attuned, practice informed and environmental sustainability oriented.