Sub-ecosystem coupling in Sherbrooke’s entrepreneurial ecosystem: a network perspective

Karim Messeghem () and Laurence Cloutier ()
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Karim Messeghem: MRM-EPME - Montpellier Research in Management - Entrepreneuriat et PME - MRM - Montpellier Research in Management - UPVD - Université de Perpignan Via Domitia - UM - Université de Montpellier, UM - Université de Montpellier
Laurence Cloutier: Labex Entreprendre - UM - Université de Montpellier, SCOOL - Coopérative de recherches en Sciences Humaines et Sociales

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Abstract: This study enriches entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) theorisation by integrating complex adaptive systems (CAS) theory with social network analysis (SNA) to address a key gap: the conceptual and empirical understanding of entrepreneurial sub-ecosystems and their relational dynamics. Focusing on the Sherbrooke EE in Canada, the study identifies three main sub-ecosystems: academic, business and entrepreneurial support. SNA highlights the centrality of the University of Sherbrooke, the pivotal brokerage role of the entrepreneurial support sub-ecosystem and differentiated degrees of external openness. These findings clarify how anchoring, intermediation, and openness structure EE dynamics and offer actionable insights for policymakers and ecosystem stakeholders.

Keywords: Entrepreneurial ecosystem; Complex adaptive system; social network analysis; path dependence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026-07-01
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Published in Regional Studies, 2026, 60 (1), ⟨10.1080/00343404.2026.2681660⟩

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:hal:journl:hal-05791737

DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2026.2681660

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