20.500.12556/DKUM-93605 Unravelling the motivational dynamics of established entrepreneurs a systems perspective The question of what motivates entrepreneurs to maintain and grow their ventures beyond the startup phase remains an underexplored aspect of entrepreneurship research. Using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor, GEM (2023), this study examines four key entrepreneurial motivations among 103 established Croatian entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the world, building great wealth or a very high income, continuing a family tradition, and earning a living. Employing a multivariate multiple regression approach, we analyze how sociodemographic factors, opportunity perception, fear of failure, media influences, and sustainability-oriented mindsets (e.g., UN SDG awareness) influence these diverse motivations. Findings reveal distinct motivational patterns: socially responsible mindsets and awareness of the SDGs primarily drive the aspiration to “make a difference”, while age, perceived opportunities, and fear of failure reinforce the pursuit of wealth. Media narratives uniquely influence the intent to “continue a family tradition”, while necessity-driven motives—linked to fear of failure and lower growth ambitions—predominate among those aiming simply to “earn a living”. By applying a systems thinking approach, this research illustrates how interdependent factors create distinct motivational clusters, and it highlights the importance of tailored policies and support programs for established entrepreneurs seeking sustainable growth. It contributes to the interdisciplinary discourse on entrepreneurship, offering insights for policymakers, educators, and advisors working to foster resilient and innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems. entrepreneurial motivation established entrepreneurs systems thinking entrepreneurship support policies Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) true false true MDPI Angleški jezik Angleški jezik Znanstveno delo 2025-07-05 03:07:32 2025-07-09 10:38:41 2025-08-29 13:11:25 0000-00-00 00:00:00 2025 0 0 str. 1-19 issue 5. spec. iss., [art. no.] 307 Vol. 13 2025 0000-00-00 Zaloznikova Objavljeno apc 2025-03-28 2025-04-21 2025-04-23 005.8 235149059 10.3390/systems13050307 2079-8954 https://www.mdpi.com/2079-8954/13/5/307 1 6eee2d35-593c-11f0-8a8e-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=193286 Unravelling_the_Motivational_Dynamics_of_Established_Entrepreneurs.pdf Unravelling_the_Motivational_Dynamics_of_Established_Entrepreneurs.pdf 1 AE15D4A4EC06EEBD4996BAD38550A8AB c9bf1a231acaeb6679d11fa46e5e35190a39976dbcf62b50ad340150b8e94a5c 13e8d02a-5ca0-11f0-8f2d-00155d000105 https://dk.um.si/Dokument.php?lang=slv&id=193398 Ekonomsko-poslovna fakulteta 0 0 0