Entrepreneurial ecosystems and public policy in action : a critique of the latest industrial policy blockbuster
Abstract
Efforts to develop entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) have proliferated in recent years, marking it out as the latest industrial policy ‘blockbuster’. This paper reports the findings from a comprehensive empirical analysis of policy approaches deployed under this conceptual umbrella, enabling us to posit a basic typology of different EE policy frameworks. The findings suggest the concept is fraught with conceptual ambiguity and is predominantly (and rather crudely) used to promote ‘more’ entrepreneurship. The research suggests the concept is a “messy metaphor” open to wide-ranging misinterpretation and misuse by policy makers. Eradicating network failures, avoiding crude policy isomorphism and tailoring bespoke interventions are suggested policy recommendations.
Citation
Brown , R & Mawson , S 2019 , ' Entrepreneurial ecosystems and public policy in action : a critique of the latest industrial policy blockbuster ' , Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society , vol. Advance articles , rsz011 . https://doi.org/10.1093/cjres/rsz011
Publication
Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society
Status
Peer reviewed
ISSN
1752-1378Type
Journal article
Description
The authors wish to acknowledge the funding received from the University of St Andrews Knowledge Exchange Impact Fund.Collections
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