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Places are not like people: the perils of anthropomorphism within entrepreneurial ecosystems research

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  • Ross Brown
  • Suzanne Mawson
  • Augusto Rocha

Abstract

The concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) has quickly established itself as a major focus within regional development research. A key conceptual framing commonly adopted by scholars theorizing about the growth and evolutionary dynamics of EEs is via anthropomorphized life-cycle models. In this article we offer a critique and argumentation as to why the validity of this approach is spurious and contestable. Arguably, life-cycle-based models overly simplify these complex spatial entrepreneurial phenomena and convey the temporal evolution of EEs as a simplistic, linear, deterministic and path-dependent process. Despite the seductively simplistic appeal of life-cycle models, places are not like people and the uncritical adoption of such crude anthropomorphic framings potentially weakens this research field, at the same time as running the risk of misinforming policymakers.

Suggested Citation

  • Ross Brown & Suzanne Mawson & Augusto Rocha, 2023. "Places are not like people: the perils of anthropomorphism within entrepreneurial ecosystems research," Regional Studies, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 57(2), pages 384-396, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:regstd:v:57:y:2023:i:2:p:384-396
    DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2022.2135698
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    Cited by:

    1. Wurth, Bernd & Mawson, Suzanne, 2024. "Beyond words: How visual imagery shapes collaborative sensemaking in entrepreneurial ecosystems," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 21(C).

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