The dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems: an empirical investigation

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to examine the longitudinal dynamics within entrepreneurial ecosystems. We empirically test how entrepreneurial activities affect intrapreneurial activities within entrepreneurial ecosystems, and vice versa, analyzing twenty-two entrepreneurial ecosystems in Germany from 1993 to 2016. Our analyses reveal that transitions occur among entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs through the different phases of an ecosystem's lifecycle. Our findings provide empirical evidence over time on the evolutionary dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems, demonstrating that an increase in entrepreneurial activities leads to a decrease in intrapreneurial activities, and vice versa. Our study offers guidance for policymakers on how to consider fluctuating entrepreneurial and intrapreneurial activities over time and builds the basis for future empirical studies to further advance our understanding of the dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems.