Exploring the Governance of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems for Productive High Growth

Sławomir Konopa,Marta Gancarczyk

doi:10.17323/2500-2597.2021.4.9.21

Abstract

This paper aims to empirically identify the characteristics and governance types of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) associated with productive high-growth entrepreneurship (PHGE). We developed a unique database comprised of public statistics on high-growth enterprises and regional EEs in Poland over the course of 2011–2018. The Hierarchical Clustering on Principal Components and a taxonomic analysis were used to identify how different types of EE governance relate to varying levels of high-growth enterprises’ performance. We have identified and described the relationships between PHGE and diverse clusters of EE governance and evolution stages toward developed structures. Two clusters proved similarly effective in generating PHGE and they represent alternative EE governance solutions as well as the most advanced evolutionary phases. The proposed conceptualizations of productive high-growth entrepreneurship and EE governance types advance the understanding and measurement of these phenomena. The profiling and configurational approach adopted in this research reflects the heterogeneity of EE governance types and outcomes and can be further replicated in other research settings.

Highlights

E and diverse clusters of EE governance and evolution stages toward developed structures
Internal R&D expenditures (I_RD) did not prove a significant correlation with the first and second principal components, and they were excluded from further analysis
Dimension 1 reveals a positive correlation among productive high growth entrepreneurship (PHGE) and such characteristics of regional EEs as the density of socio-business links (ORG), the number of micro, small, medium, and large enterprises (MICRE, small enterprises (SE), ME, LE) as well as foreign direct investors (FDIs)-backed enterprises (FDI), human resource competences (EDU), and external R&D expenditures on investment (E_RD)

Summary

Introduction

E and diverse clusters of EE governance and evolution stages toward developed structures. The proposed conceptualizations of productive high-growth entrepreneurship and EE governance types advance the understanding and measurement of these phenomena. Against the above underexplored areas, the aim of this paper is to empirically identify the characteristics and governance types of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems associated with productive high-growth entrepreneurship. The study provides theoretical and policy-relevant contributions It advances the literature on EEs by conceptualizing productive high-growth entrepreneurship in relation to EEs as outcome-oriented governance structures. It contributes both to EE research and policy by empirically identifying how various types of EE governance contribute to productive high growth of enterprises. The applied approach captures the heterogeneity of regional environments in generating economic outcomes

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Conclusion