Studying regulation as a source of opportunity rather than as a constraint for entrepreneurs: an alternative approach and research propositions

There is an abundant literature on policies aiming at supporting entrepreneurship or small and medium-sized entreprises. At the same time, many studies investigate the compliance costs of regulation and stress their constraining impact on entrepreneurship or SMEs. In this paper we demystify the classical distinction made between "supportive" policies and "constraining" regulations by discussing the existence of "enabling" regulations and policies that create opportunities for entrepreneurs..