Understanding regional entrepreneurial ecosystems as incubators

Eleanor Hamilton, Rhiannon Pugh and Danny Soetanto

Chapter 5 in Rethinking Entrepreneurship and Regional Development, 2025, pp 63-81 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The literature on entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) and incubators has largely evolved along separate paths, with limited integration between the two. While both fields examine different dimensions of entrepreneurship, they often operate at distinct analytical levels, use different conceptual frameworks, and emphasize varied forms of entrepreneurial support. Despite these distinctions, they share a common objective: fostering entrepreneurship. This chapter presents a novel perspective by conceptualizing incubators as microcosms of EEs. The authors argue that incubators not only support early-stage ventures but also play a critical role in helping more mature firms scale and strengthen their ties within local and regional environments. By linking the EE and incubator literatures, this chapter offers an integrated framework that highlights how ecosystems can support entrepreneurial firms across different stages of their development. In doing so, the authors bridge a significant gap in the existing research and provide a deeper understanding of the interconnected roles incubators and ecosystems play in the entrepreneurial process.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial ecosystem; Incubator; Business growth; Start-ups; SMEs; Accelerators (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
ISBN: 9781802201437
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