Entrepreneurial ecosystems and interregional flows of entrepreneurial talent

Leonardo Mazzoni, Massimo Riccaboni and Erik Stam ()
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Leonardo Mazzoni: European University Institute
Massimo Riccaboni: IMT School for Advanced Studies Lucca
Erik Stam: Utrecht University School of Economics

Small Business Economics, 2025, vol. 65, issue 3, No 3, 1327-1361

Abstract: Abstract The quality of entrepreneurial ecosystems not only enables local startups, but also affects the attraction and supply of non-local founders. We conceptualize entrepreneurial ecosystems as open systems with inflows and outflows of entrepreneurial talent. Beyond individual agency, these talent flows are driven by the quality of the origin and destination entrepreneurial ecosystems. We use network analysis and gravity models to study the interregional flows of founders of non-local startups within Italy and find empirical evidence for the creation, attraction, and supply mechanisms of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Entrepreneurial ecosystems not only provide a supportive environment for the creation of local startups, but also attract non-local founders. In addition, we reveal an escalator mechanism: (prospective) entrepreneurs tend to move from good to better entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial ecosystems; Innovative startups; Talent flows; Non-local founders; Complex systems; Gravity models (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J61 L26 M13 O30 R11 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1007/s11187-025-01022-5

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