Public Policy Failure and the Entrepreneurship Ecosystem in Balochistan

Abstract

Entrepreneurship is widely acknowledged as a catalyst for economic growth, innovation, employment generation, and sustainable development. Despite the introduction of various public initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship in Balochistan, the province continues to exhibit one of the weakest entrepreneurial ecosystems in Pakistan. Limited institutional capacity, fragmented policy implementation, inadequate access to finance, poor infrastructure, regulatory complexities, and weak coordination among government agencies have constrained the growth of small and medium enterprises and discouraged entrepreneurial activity. While previous studies have largely focused on entrepreneurial intentions, microfinance, and youth or women entrepreneurship, limited scholarly attention has been given to examining how public policy failures have shaped the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Balochistan. This study aims to critically evaluate the effectiveness of existing entrepreneurship-related public policies, identify institutional and governance barriers, and assess their impact on entrepreneurial development across the province. Employing a mixed-methods approach, the research will integrate quantitative survey data from entrepreneurs with qualitative interviews involving policymakers, government officials, financial institutions, business associations, and entrepreneurship support organizations. Policy document analysis will further examine the coherence and implementation of entrepreneurship policies. The study is expected to identify major policy gaps, institutional weaknesses, and implementation challenges while proposing a comprehensive policy framework for strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The findings will contribute to entrepreneurship and public policy literature by providing evidence-based recommendations for improving governance, enhancing institutional coordination, promoting private sector development, and fostering an enabling environment for sustainable entrepreneurship and inclusive economic growth in Balochistan.