Exploring the Relationship Dynamics in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Their Impact upon Innovation

Abstract

This study investigates how key entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) factors interact and are reconfigured in response to economic turbulence. Using Russia as a case study, we analyze the systemic dynamics of EE through the lens of the Complex Adaptive Systems (CAS) theory, identifying the most influential factors driving ecosystem resilience. A quantitative approach was employed using the fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method. Data were collected from highly experienced experts, including academics and market professionals with extensive knowledge of urban EEs in Russia. Their evaluations provided a robust understanding of causal relationships and the adaptability of EE factors under economic instability. The regulatory environment emerged as the primary driver of EE reconfiguration, significantly influencing other factors. Human capital and access to capital were also critical for sustaining entrepreneurship in turbulent contexts, whereas innovation was highly dependent on external conditions rather than acting as an independent driver. These findings highlight the need for adaptive policies to enhance EE resilience, offering a novel methodological framework for understanding EE adaptability in emerging economies.