Entrepreneurial ecosystems: Spanning the institutional gaps in emerging economies via incubator networks

Abstract

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurs need physical, financial, and social resources to succeed, but institutional gaps in emerging economies limit access to these resources. Current research shows that entrepreneurial ecosystem entities, such as business incubators, have a considerable influence on creating networks for novice entrepreneurs. Through a partially grounded research approach, this article explores the micro-level relationships of entrepreneurs within and outside the incubator. Our findings reveal that novice entrepreneurs interact most with mentors and incubatees to achieve results within entrepreneurial ecosystems of emerging economies. Key propositions about entrepreneurial effort, entrepreneurial networking, the incubator web, and trust-based interactions could aid further research.