A meta-analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystem elements and entrepreneurial activity

Martin Queissner (), Lennard Stolz and Matthias Weiss
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Martin Queissner: Ruhr-University Bochum
Lennard Stolz: Leibniz University Hannover, Institute of Economic and Cultural Geography
Matthias Weiss: Zeppelin University

Small Business Economics, 2025, vol. 64, issue 4, No 11, 1817-1847

Abstract: Abstract This meta-analysis examines the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) elements and regional entrepreneurial activity (EA). An extensive literature search is performed to identify quantitative studies covering EE elements and EA at the regional level (257 studies) and to extract relevant data (2,241,813 observations). To synthesize the findings, we group the potential antecedent variables based on Stam’s (European Planning Studies, 23(9):1759-1769, 2015) EE framework. The results show large differences in the effect sizes and relevance of EE elements. Based on the empirical results, three relevant elements underlying all EEs are identified: demand, talent, and finance. Our results remain robust after using different methods for variable grouping, applying meta-analytic regression, and controlling for country, publication specifics, and grouping errors. Propositions for building an EE theory are derived, and future research opportunities are discussed, as well as policy implications.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial ecosystem; Meta-analysis; Entrepreneurial activity; Context; Environment; Regional entrepreneurship (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L26 M13 R1 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11187-024-00953-9

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