“Balanced” or “polarized” entrepreneurial ecosystem types? Evidence from Italy

Entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE) are particular systems of interdependent actors and relations that directly or indirectly support the creation and growth of new ventures. EE can vary a lot, based on a unique and dynamic combination of several elements whose relevance can differ across regions. Most studies acknowledged, or ex-ante assumed, that EE elements are all relevant to the same extent, yet others suggest that some EE elements are more important in creating the environmental conditions necessary to foster entrepreneurship in a specific territory. In this paper, we contend that research should provide evidence on this territory-specific matter. Specifically, more evidence is needed on the relevance of each EE element at regional level—as we lack empirical analysis that discriminates between EE types according to elements’ importance. To fill this gap, we assess and characterize the existence of EE types at the regional level in Italy. Our findings suggest that four EE types exist, and they are characterized by a balanced combination of EE elements. On the basis of our results, we generate propositions providing insights that may be useful for future research and policymaking.