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Introduction
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EEs) have emerged as critical catalysts for economic prosperity and social advancement in the contemporary global landscape (Isenberg, 2010; Mason and Brown, 2014). EEs are complex, adaptive systems composed of interconnected actors, institutions, and cultural elements that collectively foster the creation, growth, and sustainability of entrepreneurial ventures (Spigel and Harrison, 2018). They provide a fertile ground where innovative start-ups can flourish and high-growth entrepreneurship can thrive, thereby driving local competitiveness and innovation (Audretsch and Belitski, 2021).
At the core of EEs are the resources, networks, and supportive infrastructures that entrepreneurs need to navigate the uncertainties of business creation and growth. These include access to financial capital, human talent, knowledge spillovers, and supportive policies that reduce barriers to entry and expansion (Stam, 2015). The synergy among these components enhances the ecosystem's capacity to generate economic value, stimulate job creation, and foster technological advancements.
Moreover, EEs play a pivotal role in addressing pressing social and environmental challenges. They serve as incubators for social entrepreneurship, where innovative solutions to societal issues are developed and scaled (Roundy, 2017). Social entrepreneurs operate within EEs to leverage resources and networks that amplify their impact. This reciprocal relationship not only influences the effectiveness of social entrepreneurs but also enriches the EE by integrating social value creation into its fabric (Liguori and Bendickson, 2019).
Intermediary organizations, such as incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs, are instrumental within EEs. They act as facilitators that bridge gaps between entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and other stakeholders (Ngongoni and Grobbelaar, 2017). By promoting collaboration and knowledge exchange, these intermediaries enhance value co-creation and contribute to the ecosystem's dynamism. They provide critical support services, mentorship, and access to markets, which are essential for start-ups to overcome early-stage challenges. Despite their significant contributions, EEs are not without challenges.
Factors such as resource scarcity, institutional voids, and policy barriers can hamper their performances (Mago and Modiba, 2020). Additionally, the heterogeneity of EEs means that what works in one context or at a particular lifecycle stage may not be applicable in another (Audretsch et al., 2024). Understanding the nuanced ways in which different EE types and their lifecycle stages moderate the relationship between various forms of entrepreneurship and regional economic development is crucial (Fuentes et al., 2024). The sustainability and health of EEs are contingent upon the active participation of entrepreneurs who not only benefit from but also contribute to the ecosystem (Stam and van de Ven, 2021). Entrepreneurs act as agents of change who drive innovation, mentor emerging entrepreneurs, and engage in networks that strengthen the ecosystem’s dynamism. This perspective underscores the importance of a holistic approach that considers the interplay between individual agency and systemic factors.
This special issue aims to foster a multidisciplinary dialogue by bringing together cutting-edge research that sheds light on these critical areas, while uncovering strategies that contribute to sustainable economic and social development. We encourage contributions offering theoretical insights, empirical analyses, and case studies, as well as innovative methodological approaches to analyze the complexity of EEs and their impact on prosperity.
List of Topic Areas
- Entrepreneurial ecosystems
- Entrepreneurship
- Prosperity
- Competitiveness
- Regional economic development
- Social progress
- Sustainable development.
Submission Information
Submissions are made using ScholarOne Manuscripts. Registration and access are available here:
Author guidelines must be strictly followed. Please see:
Authors should select (from the drop-down menu) the special issue title at the appropriate step in the submission process, i.e. in response to “Please select the issue you are submitting to”.
Submitted articles must not have been previously published, nor should they be under consideration for publication anywhere else, while under review for this journal.
Key Deadlines
Closing date for manuscript submissions: 1 December 2025
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