Fair and successful entrepreneurial ecosystems: Introducing contributism to balance inclusiveness and selectiveness

Maximilian Scheu and Andreas Kuckertz

No 02-2026, Hohenheim Discussion Papers in Business, Economics and Social Sciences from University of Hohenheim, Faculty of Business, Economics and Social Sciences

Abstract: In this theoretical paper, we challenge the notion that aiming for inclusiveness per se improves the effectiveness of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). We argue that thriving EEs tend to require a delicate balance between inclusiveness and selectiveness. In many contexts, contributions should primarily determine access to the EE. Moreover, we suggest that transparent inclusion processes can integrate both fairness and efficiency; we term that theoretical perspective contributism. Accordingly, we caution against well-intentioned inclusivity efforts that may inadvertently reinforce new forms of exclusion. Instead, we advocate for contribution-based thresholds that uphold excellence and call for a more nuanced dialogue that recognizes contribution-based selectiveness as an often necessary component of productive EEs.

Keywords: entrepreneurial ecosystems; inclusiveness; contributism; selectiveness (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:zbw:hohdps:343543

DOI: 10.60848/14310

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