Relevant theories in entrepreneurial ecosystems research : an overview

Entrepreneurial ecosystems have recently gained the attention of scholars, although the concept remains elusive, underdeveloped, under-theorised and with no generally accepted definition. There have been calls for further theorisation of the concept and the testing of existing theories. Despite these calls, it has been identified that some researchers failed to ground their research in specific, pre-acknowledged grounding theories. Perhaps, this could be because there are no verified studies that have focused on such theories. These theories include the cluster theory, process theory, resource dependence theory, social capital theory, systems theory, network theory, knowledge spillover theory, stakeholder theory and social capital theory. The purpose of this article was, therefore, to provide an overview of the theories relevant to entrepreneurial ecosystems due to the lack of research on such theories. A managerial implication of the findings is that the different actors and role-players within an entrepreneurial ecosystem should stay related and interconnected to function optimally and holistically. The theoretical implication of the paper is the outlining of the relevant theories which can be used as guidance when grounding entrepreneurial ecosystems research, as well as the various scenarios in which these theories can be applied. The research contributes by informing early researchers on the relevant theories which can be used in understanding entrepreneurial ecosystems.https://www.abacademies.org/journals/academy-of-entrepreneurship-journal-home.htmlam2022Business Managemen

Exploring network typology and their role in immigrant entrepreneurship: insights from South Africa

PURPOSE : This study aims to explore network typology and the role of networks in immigrant entrepreneurs’ (IEs) business operations in South Africa (SA). DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : In-depth interviews were carried out with 25 IEs operating their business ventures in SA, selected via the purposive sampling method. FINDINGS : The findings indicated that IEs in SA use social networks most often, with minimal use of international business networks. In addition, the findings showed that IE networks’ key roles include providing them with access to referrals and resource provision. However, whilst resource provision emerged as a significant role, finance appeared as the main resource provided by networks. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this original paper provided theoretical and empirical contributions to research on network typology and its role for IEs. Thus, the study extended the current literature on the intersection of IEs and their networking behaviours.https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1750-6204hj2024Business ManagementSDG-08:Decent work and economic growt

Strategic Pathways for New Venture Legitimacy within the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

Abstract Understanding how new ventures establish legitimacy within entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) is crucial for fostering their growth and survival. Using data from 228 Finnish firms, we employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to explore the configurations of strategic paths that (new) ventures adopt to establish legitimacy within the dynamic and resource-dependent environments of EEs. The results reveal different strategic configurations (solutions) for new ventures' passive and active legitimacy. The findings show that while conformance and selection are fundamental traditional strategies for gaining passive legitimacy, new ventures can still employ innovative strategies such as manipulation and selection. However, new ventures strictly employ innovative strategies (manipulation and creation) to gain active legitimacy. The study highlights the imperative of understanding the complexity of strategic choices and the resulting dynamic nature of new ventures’ legitimacy within EEs. It also suggests that policymakers and managers should consider flexible, context-specific approaches to foster small- and medium-sized companies' success by capitalizing on innovative strategies for active engagement and sustainable growth.Abstract Understanding how new ventures establish legitimacy within entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) is crucial for fostering their growth and survival. Using data from 228 Finnish firms, we employ fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis to explore the configurations of strategic paths that (new) ventures adopt to establish legitimacy within the dynamic and resource-dependent environments of EEs. The results reveal different strategic configurations (solutions) for new ventures' passive and active legitimacy. The findings show that while conformance and selection are fundamental traditional strategies for gaining passive legitimacy, new ventures can still employ innovative strategies such as manipulation and selection. However, new ventures strictly employ innovative strategies (manipulation and creation) to gain active legitimacy. The study highlights the imperative of understanding the complexity of strategic choices and the resulting dynamic nature of new ventures’ legitimacy within EEs. It also suggests that policymakers and managers should consider flexible, context-specific approaches to foster small- and medium-sized companies' success by capitalizing on innovative strategies for active engagement and sustainable growth

Exploring COVID-19 challenges and coping mechanisms for SMEs in the South African entrepreneurial ecosystem

Globally, COVID-19 has caused significant damage, including business closures and changes in how entrepreneurial activities are performed. The pandemic has spawned a slew of publications with the majority thereof being editorials, commentaries, and concept notes. This implies a lack of empirical evidence on the pandemic. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to explore the COVID-19 challenges and coping mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Data for the study were collected from 15 SME owners through semi-structured interviews using a generic qualitative research method. The findings revealed that the SME COVID-19 challenges included lockdown restrictions, customer loss, lack of government support, and scarcity of raw materials. The coping mechanisms used by the SMEs were having a positive entrepreneurial mindset followed by reduced service prices and the retrenchments of employees. Theoretically, the study contributes to the scarce empirical evidence on COVID19 challenges and coping mechanisms for SMEs in the South African context; to the available literature in the entrepreneurial ecosystem context and to the world at large. Practically, it is recommended that during crises, businesses should network with one another to remain operational and, owing to e-commerce, they are encouraged to have an online presence.https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainabilityBusiness Managemen

Innovation newness shaping venture legitimation strategy choices in the entrepreneurial ecosystem: An empirical analysis based on fsQCA

Abstract Establishing and sustaining the legitimacy of new ventures is a complex endeavour for entrepreneurs. In this article, we draw insights on ecosystem and legitimacy theories, and we employ a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach to study effective configurations of (technological and market) innovation newness influencing the new-venture legitimation strategy orientations of 228 startups in Finland. The results reveal that the startups operating in established markets (existing markets) with incremental technology (as essential [core] conditions) are likely to opt for conformance and selection legitimation strategies. However, a firm's radical technology has been revealed as a supplementary (peripheral) condition in this context. Furthermore, the results show that startups are likely to opt for a manipulation strategy when operating in new markets (as a core condition, with incremental technology as a peripheral condition). We further find that startups can opt for a creation strategy when operating in new markets with radical technology (as core conditions). We conclude by offering the implications of our findings and avenues for further research.Abstract Establishing and sustaining the legitimacy of new ventures is a complex endeavour for entrepreneurs. In this article, we draw insights on ecosystem and legitimacy theories, and we employ a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis approach to study effective configurations of (technological and market) innovation newness influencing the new-venture legitimation strategy orientations of 228 startups in Finland. The results reveal that the startups operating in established markets (existing markets) with incremental technology (as essential [core] conditions) are likely to opt for conformance and selection legitimation strategies. However, a firm's radical technology has been revealed as a supplementary (peripheral) condition in this context. Furthermore, the results show that startups are likely to opt for a manipulation strategy when operating in new markets (as a core condition, with incremental technology as a peripheral condition). We further find that startups can opt for a creation strategy when operating in new markets with radical technology (as core conditions). We conclude by offering the implications of our findings and avenues for further research

Circular economy practices in international business : what do we know and where are we heading?

DATA AVAILABITY STATEMENT: Additional supporting information can be found online in the Supporting Information section at the end of this article.The circular economy (CE) has gained the focus of scholars and policymakers as it is related to achieving sustainable development. Multinational corporations (MNCs) are adopting and implementing CE models, especially given their resources, global presence, and ability to share best practices across borders. However, a knowledge gap exists on how CE is practiced within the international business (IB) context. This study seeks to harmonize the existing literature on CE practices in IB using a bibliometric and systematic literature (content) review approach. Our findings of citation and network analyses using the co-authorship, citation, co-citation, bibliometric coupling, and co-occurrence techniques provide the current situation as well as identify three trending research themes in the CE-IB literature. The study also offers several potential avenues for future research.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/109908362026-09-07Business ManagementSDG-12:Responsible consumption and productionSDG-17:Partnerships for the goal

New venture legitimacy diffusion beyond the local entrepreneurial ecosystem : the transformative role of brokerage and network activities

PURPOSE : New ventures often encounter legitimation challenges due to their liability of newness and foreignness. This particularly applies to the legitimacy beyond the local entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE). The present study examines how new ventures’ local legitimacy influences legitimacy diffusion beyond the local EEs. It considers both the direct relationship between new venture local legitimacy and its diffusion beyond the EE and the moderating effects of legitimacy brokerage and network activities on this relationship. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : A hierarchical multiple linear regression is employed to test a series of hypotheses using the data of 228 Finnish firms which was collected with an online survey. FINDINGS : Firms that garner active local legitimacy have a greater chance to diffuse that legitimacy beyond an existing ecosystem. Results also reveal that network activities and legitimacy brokerage enhance (positively moderate) the association between (passive and active) local legitimacy and its diffusion. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : The present study contributes to and extends the literature at the intersection of new venture legitimacy and legitimacy diffusion beyond the existing EE – an aspect which has not been sufficiently studied.https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1355-2554hj2024Business ManagementSDG-08:Decent work and economic growt

Unravelling the entrepreneurial ecosystem conditions spurring the global value chains : a configurational approach

PURPOSE : Despite the popularity of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) concept, research on its value-adding activities receives less attention. Thus, in this article, the authors investigate the role of EEs in supporting global value chain (GVC) activities. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH : The authors employ the fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) technique to identify practical configurations of EE’s framework and systemic conditions spurring GVC activities in 80 countries. FINDINGS : The findings suggest different configurations of EE`s framework and systemic conditions necessary for various GVC activities regarding input-output structure, geographical scope, upgrading, and forward and backward participation. ORIGINALITY/VALUE : This study contributes to the extant literature by pioneering the EE approach to explaining GVC development. Moreover, the findings provide novel insights for understanding the EE – GVC interplay. As a result, the study offers a more nuanced understanding of how the EE supports GVC activities.https://www.emerald.com/insight/publication/issn/1355-2554hj2024Business ManagementSDG-09: Industry, innovation and infrastructur

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