1. A Brief Introduction to Indigenous Entrepreneurship and Its Relevance in Southeast Asia

Indigenous entrepreneurship is a largely overlooked research field. Notable studies mainly stem from the Americas, Australia and New Zealand, therefore leaving many places around the world overlooked. One of these overlooked places is Southeast Asia, a rapidly emerging and highly populated region that is rich of diverse cultures. The region is home to hundreds of indigenous communities, accumulating millions of people. Southeast Asia’s bustling entrepreneurial environment is driven by many creative and risk-taking indigenous entrepreneurs who deserve a place in spotlight. For that reason, this edited volume contains a collection of showcases and illustrations of indigenous entrepreneurial activities across Southeast Asia, hereby providing inspiration for scholars and practitioners. In this introductory chapter, key definitions associated with indigenous entrepreneurship are addressed, followed by a discussion on the need for and relevance of indigenous entrepreneurship research in Southeast Asia. The chapter closes with a summarized overview of the contributions to this book.