An Evolution of Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Studies: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Agenda

Abstract

This study aims to conduct a systematic literature review (SLR) of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) to synthesize and advance the knowledge of how it is investigated and evolved in the previous periods. This study pursues the PRISMA method to review selected EE research and the work of Garrard is applied to construct a SLR matrix to analyze EE literature in peer-reviewed English publication. A total of 100 studies published in 58 journals between 1993 and 2021 were gathered and evaluated. The results indicate three major findings. First, the research on EE has been emerged in the past decades. Second, EE has been defined in several ways and sectors, but the common definition of EE can be expressed through five criteria. Third, the most well-known theory, framework, and measurement of EE are clarified, while the nomological network of EE research was concurrently developed providing the summary of what has been examined. This study provides crucial implications for both theory and practice. In theoretical context, this study gives an updated summary of the trends of EE research; the most popular definition, theory framework, measurement, and nomological network of EE; and the agenda for future research; providing comprehensive overview of EE research and generates new insights for further research in this field. In practice, this study stimulates the awareness of the governors, managers, and other stakeholders of a specific region on building a healthy and effective EE and provides them the methods to improve the EE to generate successful entrepreneurship.