Abstract:
Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) constitute the backbone of Indonesia’s economy, yet their upgrading and competitiveness remain constrained by a low entrepreneurship ratio, limited innovation, financing, and market access. This study aims to analyze the role of entrepreneurial leadership in strengthening MSME competitiveness in Indonesia. The study employs a descriptive qualitative approach through a literature review and secondary data analysis from the Ministry of Cooperatives and SMEs, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, national regulations, and reputable journal articles. Data were analyzed through content and thematic mapping based on four dimensions of entrepreneurial leadership: opportunity-based vision, innovation, risk-taking, and proactiveness through resource orchestration. The findings indicate a national entrepreneurship ratio of 3.47%, digital adoption of approximately 24 million MSMEs, a banking credit share of 19.97%, and an export contribution of 15.7%. These conditions indicate suboptimal entrepreneurial leadership. Strengthening leadership capacity, digital innovation, financing access, and resource orchestration is essential to improve MSME competitiveness.
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