Cities, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystems: assessing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

A potential impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is that the nature, rates and spatial configuration of innovation may change within and across cities. To examine these potential changes, this article draws on findings from data gathered through interviews, surveys and secondary data over two time periods: prior to the pandemic and during the fallout from the pandemic. The article utilises the concept of 'entrepreneurial ecosystems' and the analysis finds significant adaptability and resilience across the ecosystems addressed. It is argued that these ecosystems are not only likely to survive, but also to actually thrive as the requirement for new technological solutions and applications allows them to maintain their innovative capacity and capability. It is further found that more spatially distributed patterns of entrepreneurial innovation are emerging across a wider range of cities and regions, which is leading to changes in the spatial economics of innovation. It is concluded that the pandemic is likely to heighten rather than slow down these trends. Furthermore, these trends are set to continue until any new unforeseen global shock with the capacity to destabilise such patterns occurs.