Abstract
This research examines the UAE’s entrepreneurial ecosystem and its capacity to support sustainable startup development within the broader context of national economic diversification. The study assesses the effectiveness of government initiatives, institutional support, and policy frameworks in fostering entrepreneurship while identifying systemic barriers to innovation. Using contemporary global indicators, including the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024–2025, Global Innovation Index 2024, and Startup Genome Report 2025, the research benchmarks the UAE’s performance against global innovation leaders. While the UAE demonstrates world-class strengths in foundational enablers such as policy support and infrastructure, notable gaps persist in knowledge creation, risk tolerance, and inclusive participation. A revised UAE Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Framework is proposed, integrating international best practices with local institutional capabilities. Emphasis is placed on enhancing R&D commercialization, strengthening academia and industry linkages, and cultivating a more risk-tolerant, inclusive innovation culture. This study offers practical insights for policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders on aligning entrepreneurial development with Vision 2071 priorities. The recommendations aim to position the UAE as a global leader in innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
| Date of Award | Dec 2025 |
|---|---|
| Original language | American English |
| Supervisor | Ping Ji (Supervisor) |
Keywords
- UAE Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
- Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Benchmarking
- Entrepreneurship Policy Framework
- Innovation System Assessment
- Startup Ecosystem Development
- International Best Practices
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