Throughout history, humankind has sought to fulfill its needs in order to survive, despite all adverse conditions, since the earliest ages. Historical processes, from the Stone Age to the discovery of iron, are defined as innovation processes in which humankind approached with an entrepreneurial spirit and a willingness to take risks. Thus, at every stage of human history, humanity has been involved in an entrepreneurial process in one way or another. Primitive humans possessed all the elements found in today’s definitions of entrepreneurship. They took risks, innovated, put their lives on the line, and did so solely to ensure their survival. In other words, entrepreneurship began with the existence of humanity. Thus, it is possible to understand the development of entrepreneurship in the world by first examining the stages that economic activities have undergone. In today’s globalizing world, entrepreneurship, which is one of the most important elements of economic development, growth, and progress, based on innovation and creativity, raises questions and a desire to seek answers about the characteristics and role of entrepreneurs in economic theory thanks to these features. As a result of today’s constantly changing economic, social, and cultural dynamics, the concept of entrepreneurship has also changed and evolved to the present day. This process will help us better understand the development of the concept of entrepreneurship from the past to the present, showing that it has a dynamic structure throughout history.

These are:

• Primitive societies (pastoral-based household economy),
• Agriculture-based village economy (feudalism),
• Urban economies based on small handicrafts,
• The development process of entrepreneurship in line with the economic trends seen in Europe between the 15th and 19th centuries,
• Entrepreneurship in the 20th century and entrepreneurship in the 21st century.

As a result of its historical development journey, entrepreneurship has become a constantly changing, dynamic concept that represents a more courageous, risk-taking, knowledge-based mindset and innovative understanding. It has reached a level of innovative entrepreneurship in globalizing world economies that are constantly changing and where competition is at the forefront.