Political Entrepreneurship: How to Build Successful Centrist Political Start-ups

This book explores how political entrepreneurs can drive political change, using insights from 40 in-depth interviews with centrist political entrepreneurs. It showcases successful examples such as En Marche in France, Ciudadanos in Spain, and NEOS in Austria, and offers practical advice on how to replicate their successes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 149 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2018
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This book demonstrates how political entrepreneurs – entrepreneurially minded citizens who launch innovative political start-ups – can drive political change. Building on unique insights, rich examples, and personal stories of centrist political entrepreneurs distilled from 40 in-depth interviews, the author guides readers through key stages of political entrepreneurship and shows how to master them. By equally highlighting successes and failures, the book reveals how political entrepreneurs actually go about producing transformative political change. In light of the populist challenge and the decline of traditional political parties, the book also offers an entertaining backstage view and first-hand insights into the successes of En Marche in France, Ciudadanos in Spain, NEOS in Austria, and other centrist political startups. It provides practical advice on how to learn from and replicate their successes.

Political practitioners and other politically interested readers will find a useful theory of Political Entrepreneurship – what it is, how it works, and what its role is in 21st-century democracies. Most of all, they will find essential, reproducible tools and methods.

“You have read a lot about startups in business, but if you want to know how Silicon Valley-style startups look in politics, read this. Its author is not only writing about political entrepreneurs; he is one of them.”

Ivan Krastev (Chairman of the Centre for Liberal Strategies in Sofia, and permanent Fellow at the Institute of Human Sciences in Vienna)

“No one understands better what it takes to take a political start-up from ideation to the parliament than Josef Lentsch. In ‘Political Entrepreneurship,’ he combines first-hand experience with a thoughtful review of what we know about entrepreneurship in politics. This is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how politics can be transformed through innovative thinking and entrepreneurial spirit.”

Political Entrepreneurship is a groundbreaking book that offers a comprehensive and practical guide for those seeking to drive political change through innovative and entrepreneurial approaches. Written by Josef Lentsch, a prominent centrist political entrepreneur, the book draws on extensive research and personal experiences to provide readers with a deep understanding of the key stages and challenges of political entrepreneurship.

The book begins by exploring the concept of political entrepreneurship and its significance in today's political landscape. Lentsch defines political entrepreneurship as the process of creating and implementing innovative ideas and solutions to address political problems and challenges. He emphasizes that political entrepreneurs are not just politicians or activists but individuals with a business mindset and a passion for social change.

The author then delves into the key stages of political entrepreneurship, including ideation, validation, and implementation. He provides detailed examples and case studies of successful centrist political startups, such as En Marche in France, Ciudadanos in Spain, NEOS in Austria, and others, to illustrate how these organizations have successfully brought about transformative political change.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to balance successes and failures. Lentsch acknowledges that political entrepreneurship is not without its challenges and risks, and he shares candid insights into the setbacks and failures experienced by these organizations. By highlighting both successes and failures, the book provides valuable lessons and insights for aspiring political entrepreneurs.

In addition to its theoretical framework, Political Entrepreneurship offers practical advice and tools for those interested in launching their own political start-up. The author provides a step-by-step guide to developing and executing a successful political campaign, including fundraising, messaging, and grassroots organizing. He also offers insights into navigating the political landscape and building alliances with other stakeholders and organizations.

The book's conclusion is thought-provoking and inspiring. Lentsch argues that political entrepreneurship is not just a means of driving political change but a way of transforming the political landscape itself. He calls for a shift in mindset and a recognition of the potential of individuals to create meaningful change through innovative and entrepreneurial approaches.

Overall, Political Entrepreneurship is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, social change, and entrepreneurship. It provides a comprehensive and practical guide for those seeking to drive political change through innovative and entrepreneurial approaches, and offers valuable insights and lessons for aspiring political entrepreneurs. Whether you are a political practitioner, activist, or simply someone who wants to make a difference in your community, this book will inspire and empower you to take action.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 164 x 242 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030028602
Edition number: 1st ed. 2019