A major challenge which has hindered our understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystem is its lack of specification and conceptual limitations. The entrepreneurial ecosystem consists of complex components and actors. In addition, the concept has theoretical limitations because it is a multi-actor phenomenon with dynamic interactions. These complexities have limited our comprehension of the diverse nature of entrepreneurial ecosystems and their dynamics. Though the entrepreneurial concept recognises the role of the local entrepreneurial context, one critical aspect in broadening our knowledge is the role of nonlocal or transnational actors and resources in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Particularly, in entrepreneurial ecosystems where there are no close bonds with transnational actors and resources. This article identifies the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem to discuss the role of diasporans as nonlocal or transnational actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It then outlines the theoretical explanations of the dynamics of diaspora transnational actors and resources and their interactions in entrepreneurial ecosystems, from the network and institutional theoretical standpoint. The exploration of empirical data helps to make the network and institutional theoretical underpinnings clearer. The conclusion suggests areas of future research that can inform policy interventions.
In embryonic entrepreneurial ecosystems, support policy frameworks seek to revitalize rural communities, alleviate poverty, transform key sectors of the economy and develop local businesses by increasing access to finance among others. However, policy frameworks rarely foster vertical connections across ecosystems particularly from the bottom-up. In some cases, entrepreneurial ecosystem elements do not necessarily address the peculiar needs of entrepreneurial diversity within the ecosystem. Drawing insights from smallholders, this paper seeks to examine the outlook for entrepreneurial opportunities among them and the influence of entrepreneurial ecosystem support on entrepreneurship opportunities outlook. The paper identifies the key drivers of bottom-up entrepreneurship opportunities. The study concludes that fostering bottom-up entrepreneurship among smallholders with a discovery entrepreneurship outlook in embryonic entrepreneurial ecosystems can contribute in helping those in poverty go beyond subsistence entrepreneurship. The paper recommends that entrepreneurial ecosystem elements should be mobilised to offer financial resources and institutional support beyond the current information support available to smallholders.
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