Foundations of entrepreneurial ecosystems configurations

The literature on Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EE) originated from assessments of highly successful cases. While this has produced useful insights, it has also generated a sense of isomorphism, seldomly reflecting the entrepreneurial dynamics taking place in a variety of contexts. In this article we critically discuss a selection of underlying issues associated with the configurations of entrepreneurial ecosystems, as well as influential dimensions that are attached to their respective structures, components and interaction dynamics. We argue that ‘generic’ configurations of EE can only offer a limited (if not inaccurate) comprehension of EE dynamics. We propose that ecosystems configurations emerge as outcomes of an interplay involving layers of micro (Entrepreneurial Agency, Socio-Cultural Embeddedness), meso (Sectoral Orientation) and macro (Spatial Features, Historical Trajectories) determinants. These dimensions conform a background that deeply affects the configurations of EE in terms of agents, institutions and interaction dynamics. Understanding the sources of heterogeneity of EE configurations and their respective co-evolutionary nature can provide key insights towards a theory of EE that accommodates distinct manifestations of this phenomenon. We conclude the discussion by outlining a meta-configurational framework to guide future research on this topic of growing relevance.