Developing local entrepreneurial ecosystems through integrated learning initiatives: the Lancaster case

Abstract

This paper considers a concept gaining popularity: entrepreneurial ecosystems. It finds a significant lacuna in the concept as it stands as it does not sufficiently consider learning within regional ecosystems. Considering the established centrality of learning for entrepreneurial activity and regional development, it is surprising that the entrepreneurial ecosystem literature does not yet incorporate how learning occurs in time and space within regional ecosystems. This paper presents research conducted in the North West of England over (20) years examining programmes to support entrepreneurial and regional development. It argues that learning, and the pro-active support thereof, is crucial within an entrepreneurial ecosystem and should be fully considered within theoretical frameworks and policy blueprints designed to support and encourage entrepreneurship within regions. As a tangible suggestion of how to theoretically incorporate learning into entrepreneurship ecosystem development efforts, we present an integrated learning model developed by entrepreneurship scholars through collaborations with practitioners.

From ‘entrepreneurial’ to ‘engaged’ universities: social innovation for regional development in the Global South

“…Universities can also act in a governance light by providing developmental roles, linking up with national and regional policy, providing leadership and incentives for regional economic development, and engaging with local business communities (Charles et al, 2014;Gunasekara, 2006;Pugh et al, 2016). Recent conversations in the literature have been developing the entrepreneurial slant even further by placing universities as key actors within 'entrepreneurial ecosystems' 2 at the local and regional level (Cooke, 2016;Pugh et al, 2019).…”

Diversity, innovation and entrepreneurship: where are we and where should we go in future studies?

“…Also, the study by Pugh et al (2019) deals with the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems. They believe the concept suffers from not adequately considering how learning occurs within regional ecosystems.…”

“…They believe the concept suffers from not adequately considering how learning occurs within regional ecosystems. In order to fill this gap and extend the literature, Pugh et al (2019) conduct a case study on the North West of England and analyze research conducted in this area during a time span of over 20 years. In particular, the paper looks at three innovation/business support programs implemented in this area, run partly by the Lancaster University and with the goal to increase learning, by analyzing their design, their aim, who they involved, and their outcomes.…”

“…6 This diverse set of components, external to the individual entrepreneur, is essential for the choice of a person to become an entrepreneur and for the likelihood of an entrepreneurial success (Nijkamp 2003;Van de Ven 1993). Examples of elements are culture, education and universities, and institutions (Brown and Mason 2017;Pugh et al 2019;Stam 2015;Stam and van de Ven 2019). A system perspective is beneficial when many elements are interrelated and operate simultaneously.…”

A manifesto for researching entrepreneurial ecosystems

“…firm, individual) and macro levels (Fritsch and Wyrwich, 2014)? How does learning take place as part of the entrepreneurial ecosystems (Pugh et al., 2019)? This may suggest the need for research on those rare places that have shifted from low level of entrepreneurship to high levels of entrepreneurship 10 and on ecosystems that have exhibited resilience following the decline or demise of the business(es) that drove their growth.…”