Open data-driven ecosystems: an empirical validation

The purpose of this chapter is to empirically test if and how big data, digital technologies and digital communities can influence the performance of entrepreneurial ecosystems, measured in terms of their ability to generate productive entrepreneurship. The results of the empirical analysis show that a productive entrepreneurial ecosystem is supported by two different context variables: data and technology. In this way, we aim to contribute to the literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems, which struggles to give due weight to the role of data and technology, and which still lacks empirical evidence on the causal relation between factors of the ecosystem (“eco-factors”) and their output (“eco-output”). The chapter also provides practical implications for both policymakers and organizations. The results should help policymakers to make investment decisions that may encourage entrepreneurs to take the risk of starting a new venture by creating an environment in which they feel engaged and motivated.