Abstract
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EEs) have gained significant attention from scholars and policymakers, becoming a pivotal framework for understanding entrepreneurship's importance in regional development dynamics. However, existing literature presents several theoretical and empirical gaps, often neglecting a fundamental understanding of the local context. This paper aims to address this void by conducting a quantitative analysis of local EEs, using data from 25 Portuguese sub-regions. Drawing upon established EE theory, the study calculates the Portuguese Local EE Index, comprising 17 indicators and a Penalty for Bottleneck methodology. Correlation and regression analyses shed light on the relationships between local EEs and entrepreneurship outputs and socio-economic indicators. The findings also underscore the critical role of leadership, market demand, and access to financial capital as focal points for tailored policy interventions to address these local bottlenecks. Moreover, the study identifies urban-rural disparities, advocating for policies that bridge geographical divides and unlock the potential of rural entrepreneurship. Furthermore, significant variability is found within each region, highlighting the importance of adopting a local perspective when developing EEs. By advancing our understanding of local EE dynamics, this research contributes to a more nuanced discourse on entrepreneurship and informs evidence-based policymaking aimed at cultivating more vibrant and resilient entrepreneurial economies.
Published Version
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