Global Entrepreneurship

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Overview

The Intent of Executive Order 13731

Issued on June 24, 2016, by President Barack Obama, Executive Order 13731 is designed to bolster global entrepreneurship, leveraging America's long-standing tradition of innovation as a tool for economic growth and social change. The order seeks to align governmental resources and programs to promote entrepreneurship both domestically and internationally. In a global landscape grappling with challenges such as extremism, unemployment, and stagnation, the EO underscores the potential of entrepreneurship to generate opportunity, foster prosperity, and reinforce security.

The EO emphasizes the synchronizing of entrepreneurs with essential resources such as capital, networks, and markets, while also equipping them with necessary skills and training. The directive underlines the importance of fostering an environment where innovation can thrive by establishing key infrastructures, like high-speed broadband, and supporting facilities like incubators and accelerators. It also highlights the need for international cooperation, urging global partners to enhance their investment in the tools and technologies that support entrepreneurship.

Central to the EO’s vision is the establishment of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship (PAGE) Program administered by the Secretary of Commerce. This initiative aims to harness the influence of successful American entrepreneurs to inspire and mentor aspiring business leaders globally. The program is structured to not only promote entrepreneurship but also to encourage public policies that support this endeavor both within the U.S. and abroad.

Programmatic Goals

The Executive Order sets forth specific objectives, such as forming an Advisory Board comprising key government officials from various departments to guide the PAGE Program. It also outlines roles for the State Department, USAID, and the Small Business Administration in maximizing the benefits of the initiative. Identified actions include facilitating access to capital and mentorship, and integrating educational and training opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Moreover, the EO guides U.S. involvement in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit, advocating for collaborative efforts to connect entrepreneurs across the globe and nurture enduring partnerships. Other facets involve promoting digital literacy and broadening Internet connectivity through the Global Connect Initiative, which aims to establish structured avenues for development in digital infrastructure and skills in developing regions.

Legal and Policy Implications

Constitutional and Statutory Framework

Executive Order 13731 operates under the constitutional authority vested in the President, employing strategies that align with U.S. statutes focused on commerce and international relations. While it sets forth new initiatives and programs, the EO does not introduce fundamental legal transformations, but it does chart new directions for existing federal agency activities. It expands the Department of Commerce's role in entrepreneurship through the PAGE Program, granting it coordination capabilities that intertwine economic and diplomatic goals.

The establishment of the Presidential Ambassadors for Global Entrepreneurship and its Advisory Board represents an administrative development rather than a legislative change. This approach reflects the executive branch's capacity to mobilize resources and direct agency focus within current legal boundaries, contingent on existing appropriations without necessitating additional Congressional approval.

Policy Innovation

The policy ramifications of the EO are significant in terms of reshaping federal engagement with private sector entrepreneurship. By tying entrepreneurship promotion to broader economic and international development goals, the EO suggests a versatile usage of entrepreneurship as a diplomatic asset. The inclusion of multiple government departments illustrates an integrated effort across domestic and international dimensions, impacting policy frameworks related to economic development, education, and international partnerships.

Federal Coordination and Implementation

The EO's mandates necessitate coordinated action from numerous federal entities, with an emphasis on inter-agency collaboration. It requires the State Department to lead foreign interactions, including participation in the Global Entrepreneurship Summit and the Global Connect Initiative. This inter-agency cooperation ensures a uniform application of the EO's objectives and promotes synergistic effects across various government programs.

Policy Continuity and Adaptation

As the EO builds upon existing federal programs, it introduces adaptive mechanisms to broaden their scope and efficacy. These interventions are designed to align U.S. domestic and foreign policy goals more closely with entrepreneurship initiatives, reinforcing the country's competitive edge in innovation. The EO allows for flexibility in implementation, as agency stakeholders are encouraged to continuously assess and refine their strategies.

Who Benefits

Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses

The primary beneficiaries of Executive Order 13731 are entrepreneurs, both within the United States and globally. By facilitating access to capital, mentorship, and networks, the EO supports the growth of startups and small businesses, offering them a pathway to expand and thrive. The initiative promotes cross-border connections, allowing businesses to tap into international markets and expand their operational horizons.

Underrepresented Groups

The order explicitly mentions efforts to promote responsible business conduct that includes women, youth, and minorities. By prioritizing inclusivity in entrepreneurship, the EO seeks to elevate historically underrepresented demographics in business, providing platforms and support systems tailored to their unique challenges and opportunities. Efforts to increase representation are facilitated through targeted programs and mentorship opportunities.

International Partners

Countries seeking to bolster their own entrepreneurial ecosystems by fostering innovation and digital infrastructure development stand to gain from collaboration with the United States under this EO. The Global Connect Initiative, for instance, assists foreign nations in expanding Internet connectivity, thereby opening up new avenues for digital entrepreneurship and economic modernization in these regions.

Education and Training Institutions

Entities involved in providing business education and vocational training are positioned to benefit as the EO hinges on the dissemination of skills critical for entrepreneurship. Partnerships with academic institutions and training centers can lead to enhanced curriculum offerings and the development of entrepreneurship-focused programs, thereby increasing their appeal and capacity to attract students.

U.S. Economic and Diplomatic Interests

By leveraging global entrepreneurship as a diplomatic tool, the United States strengthens its international standing, utilizing soft power to create sustainable partnerships. The EO aligns U.S. economic interests with its foreign policy objectives, broadening the country's influence and enacting policies that foster reciprocal growth and cooperative development on the world stage.

Who Suffers

Potential Industry Displacement

While the EO aims to expand opportunities for entrepreneurs, some established industries and businesses that may encounter new competition from innovative startups could face disruptions. Traditional service providers, for example, may need to adapt to technological advancements and the agile business models championed by new entrepreneurial entrants.

Resource Allocation Concerns

Federal agencies might experience limitations due to the EO's mandate, potentially redirecting resources and attention away from existing programs. This reallocation of funds and staff toward entrepreneurship initiatives may strain other areas within the agencies, particularly if new appropriations are not forthcoming. Consequently, this could impact other departmental priorities or slow down broader bureaucratic processes.

Unrealized Expectations

For aspiring entrepreneurs in under-connected regions, there might be challenges related to expectations versus reality. As the EO emphasizes partnership and resource sharing, areas with less immediate access to digital infrastructure or capital might not reap the anticipated benefits as quickly as intended. These disparities can lead to frustrations and demands for more targeted interventions.

Economic Inequality

There is a possibility that the EO's programs could inadvertently exacerbate existing economic inequalities if implementation focuses on already prosperous areas with established connectivity and market access. Concentrating efforts in these regions could leave less privileged areas with fewer benefits, thus widening the economic gap and creating uneven development across different demographics.

Bureaucratic Challenges

Increased inter-agency coordination, a central element of the EO, may introduce bureaucratic challenges that complicate swift action. Agencies unused to such a level of collaboration might face initial inefficiencies, slowing down potential benefits for entrepreneurs and impeding the EO's intended outcomes. The success of these collaborations heavily depends on effective communication and management across diverse governmental bodies.

Historical Context

Obama Administration's Broader Strategy

Executive Order 13731 aligns with President Obama's administration's broader strategy emphasizing innovation, digitalization, and public-private partnerships. His presidency consistently promoted initiatives that encouraged technological advancement as a means to stimulate the economy and address global challenges such as climate change and terrorism through sustainable practices.

Globalization and Economic Policy

The EO is part of a larger trend within American policy discourse targeting globalization's positive aspects in driving economic growth and development. By fostering entrepreneurship worldwide, the order attempts to create a secure network of economic partnerships that strengthen global ties and enhance mutual prosperity in a more interconnected world.

Response to Global Economic Conditions

Economic recovery from the 2007-2008 financial crisis heavily influenced policy strategies during Obama's terms. This EO can be interpreted as an effort to bolster a resilient economy capable of withstanding global financial volatility by diversifying entrepreneurial opportunities and encouraging innovations that anticipate and mitigate future economic disruptions.

Ideological Underpinnings

The focus on entrepreneurship reflects a belief in the innovative capacity of the individual and small businesses as a vital economic engine. By promoting a bottom-up economic strategy, the order aligns with neoliberal values that favor minimal government intervention in markets while supporting policies that provide the necessary infrastructure for private sector growth.

Political Implications and Motivations

Within the political landscape, this EO represents an alignment with centrist, market-friendly policies that appeal to a wide range of constituencies. The order attempts to unite economic and foreign policy goals under a single initiative that promotes economic inclusivity, reflecting bipartisan values that prioritize economic empowerment and international cooperation.

Potential Controversies or Challenges

Congressional Pushback and Support

The EO’s initiatives to engage various federal agencies could face opposition or scrutiny from Congress, especially concerning the allocation of resources. While entrepreneurship aligns with broader economic goals, the specifics of implementing such programs may invite partisan debates over the size and scope of government intervention in private industry.

Enforcement and Accountability

Ensuring effective implementation of the EO demands robust inter-agency coordination and oversight. Potential challenges include maintaining clear channels of communication and responsibility across different governmental bodies and ensuring that the programs operate within their intended framework without overstepping legal or budgetary constraints.

Legal Disputes and Interpretation

Interpretation of executive power in establishing and directing such programs could raise legal queries regarding the scope of authority. Although the EO does not legislate new laws, the administration of initiatives like PAGE may face judicial review if perceived as overreaching or conflicting with existing legislation.

International Relations Dynamics

The EO's success heavily relies on international cooperation. In an intricate global environment, geopolitical tensions or diplomatic hurdles may impact partnerships necessary for executing elements of the initiative, particularly the Global Connect Initiative, which seeks to engage foreign governments in expanding their digital infrastructures.

Adaptation to Technological Changes

The rapidly changing technological landscape poses a continual challenge in maintaining the EO's relevance and effectiveness. As digital innovations and business models evolve, the programs must adapt to new conditions without delaying implementation or affecting their core objectives. Balancing innovation with regulatory oversight will be critical.