Entrepreneurial ecosystems, institutional quality, and the unexpected role of the sustainability orientation of entrepreneurs

Abstract

While research on entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) has consolidated over the last decade, one question remains unanswered: how can the sustainability orientation of EE actors facilitate the intensity and growth orientation of entrepreneurship in the ecosystem? Entrepreneurship activity relies on the sustainability orientation of the ecosystem, which is lacking in most developing countries where reaching the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is the most pressing concern. Using primary data on 1789 EE actors from 17 cities in East and South-East Europe and econometric analysis techniques, we investigate the relationship between the sustainability orientation of EE actors and EE outcomes. We find that this relationship is conditional on the country’s institutional quality and is consistent for a variety of EE outcomes. Practical implications for regional policymakers and entrepreneurs are developed.

Ecopreneurial Behavior in a Pandemic Context

“…Sustainable development encompasses social, environmental, and economic sustainability goals and is considered a driving force behind various economic policies, contributing to a country's long-term competitiveness based on its social and economic development (Dabbous et al, 2023). In response to the growing concerns about environmental degradation and its visibility, entrepreneurs received a mandate from policymakers and society to offer their contribution to sustainable social goals through equally sustainable entrepreneurial activities (Audretsch et al, 2023). Entrepreneurship, recognized as a dynamic source of economic growth, job creation, and innovation, plays a pivotal role in optimizing available resources to create both economic and social value (Zhao et al, 2023).…”

“…When aligned with sustainable development goals, entrepreneurs are seen as agents to foster a more socially and environmentally friendly society (Antolin-Lopez et al, 2019). Sustainable entrepreneurs, also referred to as ecopreneurs, are considered key solutions to address global challenges (Audretsch et al, 2023;Dabbous et al, 2023;Hoogendoorn et al, 2020;Xu et al, 2022;Yasir et al, 2023). They ecopreneurs focus on life support, community, and nature preservation, aiming to generate economic and non-economic gains for individuals, the economy, and society (Xu et al, 2022).…”

“…Regarding ecopreneurs, research has shown that they are problem solvers who can apply innovation and critical thinking to face challenges (Bawakyillenuo & Agbelie, 2021) but simultaneously depend on a motivation to put their ideas into practice (Dhahri et al, 2021). This fact calls for further studies on this theme since there is a consensus that entrepreneurship is an essential catalyst in job creation and country development (Audretsch et al, 2023), and sustainable entrepreneurship modalities are conduits to achieving sustainable development goals.…”

Comportamento Ecoempreendedor No Contexto Pandêmico

“…conseguem aplicar inovação e pensamento crítico para enfrentar desafios (Bawakyillenuo & Agbelie, 2021) ao mesmo tempo que dependem de uma motivação para colocar suas ideias em prática (Dhahri et al, 2021). Essa característica requer mais estudos sobre o tema, uma vez que existe um consenso de que o empreendedorismo é um catalisador essencial na criação de emprego e no desenvolvimento do país (Audretsch et al, 2023), e as modalidades de empreendedorismo sustentável são canais para que se alcance os objetivos de desenvolvimento sustentável.…”

Institutions and macroeconomic indicators: entrepreneurial activities across the world

“…We draw on data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) to evaluate the effects of institutions on TEA and from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to assess the impact of macroeconomic indicators (Bogatyreva et al ., 2022; Gao et al ., 2021; Wales et al ., 2021). Developed countries typically possess higher-quality institutions and more stable macroeconomic indicators than developing countries, which often operate within uncertain, ambiguous and volatile institutional and macroeconomic frameworks (Audretsch et al ., 2023a; De Mello et al ., 2022; Welter and Smallbone, 2011). Given the institutional and macroeconomic heterogeneity between developed and developing countries, these factors will likely influence potential and established entrepreneurs differently (Guerrero et al.…”