Guiding entrepreneurial ecosystems towards sustainability: identifying key changes and future research directions

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the paper is to identify the necessary transformations required to evolve entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) into sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems (SEEs) and to explore the primary challenges involved. By addressing these aspects the study establishes a foundation for future research directions. Design/methodology/approach The paper adopts a conceptual analysis based on the semi-systematic literature review of the concepts of EEs and SEEs. Findings An SEE intentionally addresses all three dimensions of sustainability—social, ecological and economic. This requires, on the one hand, a genuine will and effort from individual actors to increase their sustainability, and, on the other, an establishment of systemic conditions that will make this transformation easier and allow for a fair distribution of its costs. Originality/value The paper bridges the research concerning limited studies on SEEs by presenting a model that delineates the conditions for the development of SEE and identifies the requisite changes necessary to foster sustainability within the EE. Furthermore, the paper outlines potential avenues for future research to explore the conceptual advancement and practical implementation of the SEE concept.

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