Increasing entrepreneurial ecosystem-level outcomes through orchestration: A proposed framework

Abstract

Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (EE) denotes the interaction of venture capitalists, corporations, universities, research entities, government, R&D centres, and specialised service providers within a region, collectively fostering high-potential entrepreneurial firms. This paper provides a theoretical framework to decode the orchestration of EEs, merging insights from innovation network orchestration literature and the burgeoning field of EE governance. We suggest that the orchestration of EEs should be analysed in terms of form and content. For form, we explore cases with single or multiple orchestrators and discuss the notion of shared orchestration. Regarding content, we underscore the roles and activities orchestrators should undertake to drive EEs and enhance ecosystem-level results. Orchestrators should manage the ecosystem's institutions, dynamicity, and strategic direction, encompassing eight specific activities. This work advances EE governance understanding by refining the orchestration concept and emphasising inter-network coordination's importance for value creation. This can guide policymakers in crafting EE incentives and actors seeking best practices for ecosystem development.