The  entrepreneurial ecosystem clock keeps on ticking – A replication and extension  of Coad and Srhoj (2023) 

By van Dijk J., Leendertse J., Stam E., van Rijnsoever  F. (2025). Research Policy, 54(2), 105154. DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2024.105154

Abstract

A key hypothesis in the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) literature is that a positive relation exists between the quality of EEs and the prevalence of productive entrepreneurship. Recently, Coad and Srhoj (2023) argued that the quality of EEs should also be positively related to the persistence of productive entrepreneurship. However, using two different measures for high-growth firms in regions in Croatia and Slovenia, they found no consistent evidence for the persistence of productive entrepreneurship. This led them to conclude that the EE framework is not valuable for policymakers. We contend that their generalization is incorrect and that their findings are consistent with a further articulation of the EE approach. We build our argument in two empirical studies. In Study 1, we replicate the approach by Coad and Srhoj (2023) in the Netherlands, where we find strong evidence for the persistence of productive entrepreneurship. We argue that the differences found in the replication study can be explained by accounting for the quality and size of EEs. In Study 2, we follow up on this notion by formulating two new hypotheses about the effect of quality and size of EEs on the persistence of productive entrepreneurship but argue that this effect decreases in strength as the quality and size of entrepreneurial ecosystems increase. Our hypotheses are supported by data on EEs and innovative start-ups in Europe. Accordingly, our results reconcile the different findings in the literature regarding the persistence of productive entrepreneurship. Theoretically, our work provides a further articulation of the EE approach by explaining the persistence of productive entrepreneurship, in addition to the more commonly studied prevalence of productive entrepreneurship. We conclude with policy implications of our findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metagovernance  forms for enhancing sustainability-oriented innovation in a knowledge ecosystem

By  Fiandrino S.; Gromis di Trana M.; Tonelli A.; Rizzato F. (2025). Business  Ethics, the Environment and Responsibility, 34(1), 215-230. DOI:  10.1111/beer.12635

Abstract

This study explores how different actors operating in a knowledge ecosystem catalyse sustainability-oriented innovation. Through collaborative practices among actors, knowledge ecosystems constitute a fertile ground for sustainability-oriented innovation to grow and flourish by creating value for businesses and society. The current literature on knowledge ecosystems is lacking in outlining governing mechanisms to foster collaborative practices aimed at advocating open innovation for sustainability transition. This study aims to close this literature gap. Through interview data collected in a knowledge ecosystem, we apply precepts of grounded theory to reveal four forms of metagovernance—network design, network framing, network management and network participation. This study proposes a conceptual framework of metagovernance forms as powering layers to foster sustainability-oriented innovation in a knowledge ecosystem. We further discuss potential weaknesses that may jeopardise the development of sustainability-oriented innovation in the knowledge ecosystem. This study contributes to the literature on sustainability-oriented innovation by acknowledging metagovernance as the appropriate governing mechanism that balances the activities and processes of sustainability-oriented innovations for becoming and being sustainable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Less trust,  more truth: Implications and design choices for business models and platform  ecosystems in the age of Web3

By  Schmück K.; Schückes M.; Gutmann T.; Gassmann O. (2025). Technological  Forecasting and Social Change, 211, 123810. DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123810

Abstract

Business model literature, while insightful, primarily focuses on the Internet and Web 2.0 contexts. The emergence of pioneering digital technologies, especially the Web3 anchored by blockchain, necessitates reevaluating business model paradigms, particularly those of platform business models within related ecosystems. This study delves into blockchain's unique affordances, investigating how they mold novel Web3 business model patterns and integrate into specific platform ecosystems. We scrutinize the characteristics, trajectories, and synergies of value creation and capture. Using a mixed-methods approach involving 171 interviews and a subsequent sample of 126 Web3 ventures, we delineate a taxonomy of Web3 business model dimensions, clustering emergent decentralized platform ecosystems into pertinent archetypes. Our theoretical model delineates how blockchain affordances influence these configurations, emphasizing the dynamic between a platform's nucleus and its fringes. We highlight Web3 platform design choices leaning towards data sovereignty, emphasizing how the degree of blockchain integration within platform governance—leading to information symmetry and platform disintermediation—transitions digital trust to what we term as digital truth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining the  influence of entrepreneurial ecosystem pressure on the economic, social, and  environmental orientation of startups

By  Filippelli S.; Troise C.; Bigliardi B.; Corvello V. (2025). Technological  Forecasting and Social Change, 210, 123900. DOI: 10.1016/j.techfore.2024.123900

Abstract

Startups are agile entities capable of fostering innovation and swiftly navigating turbulent market conditions. Against the backdrop of global challenges, particularly environmental and social issues, startups have gained prominence as potential agents of positive change. Recognizing their value, stakeholders, including large corporations, universities, and governments, actively seek collaboration and support for startup growth. This network of actors, or entrepreneurial ecosystem, exerts different types of pressure on startups. In particular, although efficiency, speed, and reliability are emphasized for economic success, there is an increasing emphasis on environmental and social sustainability within entrepreneurial ecosystems. This study explores the dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems and their impact on startup performance, specifically focusing on the dual pressures exerted on startups. The study delves into the potential conflict or synergy between these pressures, aiming to answer the research question regarding the impact of entrepreneurial ecosystem pressures on both economic and environmental/social sustainability. Through a survey conducted among Italian startups, the research reveals that these pressures do not compromise either economic or sustainability objectives. The findings contribute to a nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship, highlighting the interconnectedness between entrepreneurial ecosystems and individual company performance. Moreover, the study advances the sustainability literature by demonstrating that sustainability-oriented ecosystems can coexist with economic growth objectives, offering valuable insights for entrepreneurs, universities, public administration, and large companies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The role of  cluster ecosystems and intellectual capital in achieving high-growth  entrepreneurship: evidence from Germany

By  Temouri Y.; Luong H.-P.; Pereira V.; Rammal H. (2025). Journal of Intellectual  Capital, 26(1), 1-24. DOI: 10.1108/JIC-01-2024-0017

Abstract

Purpose: This paper examines the role played by business cluster ecosystems and intellectual capital (IC) in achieving high-growth firm (HGF) status. Design/methodology/approach: We draw our insights from the knowledge-based perspective and economic geography as a theoretical lens, which combined offer a more unifying understanding of how business cluster ecosystems and IC foster high growth entrepreneurship. Findings: Drawing on a sample of 11,360 German incorporated firms across 80 clusters, we find that cluster ecosystems play a significant role in supporting firms to become HGFs. More specifically, being located in business clusters increases the likelihood of becoming HGFs by 2.2% to 4.49%. We also find that clusters with more productive firms in the ecosystems provide favorable conditions for member firms to achieve HGF status, while the impact of other cluster-specific conditions (high-tech cluster membership and multinational enterprise share in clusters) is less clear. Additional insights suggest that firm IC (investments in intangible assets) enables firms to achieve high growth status. Research limitations/implications: The findings of this paper hold theoretical and managerial relevance and shed more light on the impact of cluster-specific factors in the ecosystems and firm IC in achieving high growth entrepreneurship. Originality/value: This paper is among the first of its kind to bring together three distinct literatures (HGFs, business clusters and IC) and utilize insights from each to derive a conceptual framework that links them in explaining high-growth entrepreneurship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cluster-based  routines and paradigm-bound innovation

By  Li, P. (2025). Research Policy, 54(3), 105192. DOI:  10.1016/j.respol.2025.105192

Abstract

The paper explores the limitations of innovation in clusters, proposing that innovation advantages of clusters are contingent upon technological paradigms. Technological paradigms manifest in the heuristics of ‘how to do things’ and ‘how to improve them’ in a domain, embedded in organizational routines. The paper argues that new product development routines can be enacted in clusters, turning into cluster-based routines. Cluster-based routines are efficient in guiding search for rapid solutions within established technological trajectories but become ineffective during paradigm shifts. Consequently, cluster-based routines tend to promote paradigm-bound innovation rather than paradigm-setting innovation. Using an original, product-level database of mobile handsets in China from 2007 to 2016 — a period which witnessed a paradigm transition from feature phones to smartphones — the study presents robust evidence that being in a dominant cluster in Shenzhen has a positive impact on product innovation in the feature phone regime but casts significantly negative effects on paradigm transition and subsequent innovation in the smartphone era. The findings indicate that the temporal and spatial processes of innovation are deeply interwoven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AI-Enabled  Governance in Traditional Chinese Medicine Enterprise Clusters: A Lifecycle and  Stakeholder Perspective for Sustainable Development

By  Liu, Y., Ho, T. C., Omar, R., & Ning, B. (2025). Business Strategy  & Development, 8(1), e70069. DOI: 10.1002/bsd2.70069

Abstract

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative tool for enhancing governance in enterprise clusters, improving competitiveness, and advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs). Despite its potential, the effective application of AI-enabled governance in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) enterprise clusters remains underexplored, particularly given the unique challenges posed by their traditional practices, regulatory frameworks, and diverse stakeholder dynamics. Addressing this gap, this study investigates how AI-enabled governance can optimize the integration of external enterprises into TCM enterprise clusters across different stages of the lifecycle, thereby contributing to sustainable regional development. This study employs a lifecycle model to analyze the integration of external enterprises into TCM clusters, focusing on factors such as unit product costs, policy incentives, and joint action benefits. By comparing cost dynamics before and after cluster entry, this research maps the lifecycle processes of external enterprises and identifies AI-enabled governance tailored to the adaptation, maturity, and decline stages. The findings reveal that proactive and adaptive AI-enabled governance enhances sustainability by reducing costs, improving efficiency, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders. This study provides a dynamic perspective on cluster integration, extending the theoretical framework of organizational research. It offers policymakers and cluster managers actionable insights for leveraging AI-enabled governance to achieve sustainable regional development, foster innovation (SDG 9), promote economic growth (SDG 8). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small countries  facing the technological revolution: fostering synergies between economic  complexity and foresight research. 

By  Tiits, M., Karo, E., & Kalvet, T. (2025). Competitiveness Review: An  International Business Journal, 35(1), 53-75. DOI: 10.1108/CR-03-2023-0051

Abstract

Purpose: Although the significance of technological progress in economic development is well-established in theory and policy, it has remained challenging to agree upon shared priorities for strategies and policies. This paper aims to develop a model of how policymakers can develop effective and easy to communicate strategies for science, technology and economic development. Design/methodology/approach: By integrating insights from economic complexity, competitiveness and foresight literature, a replicable research framework for analysing the opportunities and challenges of technological revolutions for small catching-up countries is developed. The authors highlight key lessons from piloting this framework for informing the strategy and policies for bioeconomy in Estonia towards 2030–2050. Findings: The integration of economic complexity research with traditional foresight methods establishes a solid analytical basis for a data-driven analysis of the opportunities for industrial upgrading. The increase in the importance of regional alliances in the global economy calls for further advancement of the analytical toolbox. Integration of complexity, global value chains and export potential assessment approaches offers valuable direction for further research, as it enables discussion of the opportunities of moving towards more knowledge-intensive economic activities along with the opportunities for winning international market share. Originality/value: The research merges insights from the economic complexity, competitiveness and foresight literature in a novel way and illustrates the applicability and priority-setting in a real-life setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The jazz jam  session improvisation model of stakeholder engagement in entrepreneurial  ecosystems

By  Audretsch, D. B., Belitski, M., & Herzig, M. (2025). Journal of Small  Business Management, 1-29. DOI: 10.1080/00472778.2025.2450009

Abstract

Research on entrepreneurial ecosystems has seen significant growth in the last decade, with a focus on the key elements of entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) structure, stakeholders, and interactions between them. However, the literature linking these three elements within the entrepreneurial ecosystem has yet to reach a consensus regarding how interactions between stakeholders occur within the ecosystem and beyond. We apply the jazz jam session model used by jazz musicians for improvisation to demonstrate that within a given structure of improvisation, stakeholders may improve their level and intensity of engagement, increasing the quality of the entire entrepreneurial ecosystem. The jazz jam session model explains how and why the interactions can matter and how to organize them effectively between stakeholders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unpacking the  Nature of Orchestrator Coherence in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

By  Santos, J. B., Fischer, B. B., Alves, A. C., & Roundy, P. T. (2025).  Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice. DOI: 10.1177/10422587241311118

Abstract

Despite its importance to the functioning of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), the orchestration of networks remains a largely undertheorized topic. To address this “omission,” we sought to explain the interplay between networks, their orchestrators, and their implications for ecosystem outcomes. To do so, we conducted an in-depth case study of the Agtech Valley EE in Brazil. From our study, we developed theoretical insights on the notion of “ecosystem coherence” as a foundational driver of EE structuration. Findings revealed two dimensions of ecosystem coherence: capabilities coherence (based on organizational and cognitive proximities) and relationship coherence (based on institutional and social proximities). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hidden  champions and knowledge spillovers: innovation-enhancing agglomeration effects  and niche technology specificity

Lehmann, E. E., Schenkenhofer, J., & Vismara, S.  (2025). Small Business Economics, 1-21. DOI: 10.1007/s11187-025-00999-3

Abstract

To achieve market and technology leadership, innovation is essential for niche market leaders. While research suggests that regions benefit economically from a high concentration of niche market leaders, it is still unclear which role locating close to one another plays for their innovation performance. Therefore, we contribute to existing literature that studies external factors of firm-level innovation. We analyze 1372 German niche market leaders and study whether (1) being located in a cluster improves their innovation performance and (2) if the impact of locating in a cluster varies depending on the diversity of industries within the cluster. We measured the spatial agglomeration using the location quotient. Our findings show that being located in a cluster increases the patenting rate by 1.49 times. This effect is more pronounced in clusters with more diverse industries, indicating a lower level of technology specificity. This suggests that technology specificity has an impact on a company’s ability to take advantage of positive knowledge from other companies in the same cluster. Finally, we conducted several tests to ensure the robustness of our analysis. The Modifiable Areal Unit Problem (MAUP) refers to the discretionary choice of the spatial unit, and we tested different spatial unit levels to account for this. Additionally, we used entropy balancing to confirm the positive effect of cluster location on innovation, comparing with a control set of mass-market firms. Our study concludes with implications for both corporate management and public policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]