Entrepreneurship in Developing Environments: Navigating Challenges and Building Resilience (Case of a startup incubator in Morocco)

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In my recent presentation at the 3DS UnConference, I shared insights and lessons learned on entrepreneurship within developing environments, emphasizing resilience, adaptive strategies, and the critical role of sense-making. Reflecting on Karl Weick’s theory of sensemaking, I examined the process through which entrepreneurs ground their actions with purpose and clarity amid uncertain conditions. Key stages—preparation, execution, and adaptation—reveal how agile methods, effectuation principles, and lean startup techniques empower founders to navigate complexities and refine strategies.Entrepreneurial resilience was illustrated through dynamic scenarios, highlighting the importance of adaptability (“No plan survives contact with the enemy”) and the essential skills needed to re-center and rebuild after setbacks. The journey of entrepreneurship demands a grounded approach, fortified by strong networks, ethical decision-making, and a recognition of the mental resilience required to combat isolation and stress. My talk underscored the necessity of continuous learning, practical survival skills, and the drive to innovate, embodying the spirit of "longing for the immensity of the sea" as a metaphor for visionary growth. This presentation seeks to inspire emerging entrepreneurs to embrace both the challenges and rewards of their path.