Re‐storying the Business, Innovation and Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Concepts: The Model‐Narrative Review Method

Abstract

AbstractWe propose a novel literature review method in order to systematically trace and reveal the dominant narratives of a body of literature: themodel‐narrativereview method. We apply this method to an ever‐growing literature on ecosystems in business studies, as it resembles a rich knowledge base with somewhat competing, overarching stories, replete with emplotted characters, systematic puzzles and embellished scientific drama. To interpret these unfolding storylines, we both separately engage with and connect seminal work on business, entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystems. Throughthematic readingwe map the key themes and scientific puzzles in each ecosystem type. Throughenstoried readingwe identify how authors construct the plot, narrative setting, emplotted characters, narrative voices and moral lessons around ecosystems. Throughrhetorical readingwe explicate the rhetorical devices and strategies that claim the relevance of their work. Our findings expose a number of hidden meanings and underlying assumptions, adding transparency to ecosystem rhetorics and enhancing conceptual clarity. Altogether, this method offers a systematic construction ofmodel‐narrativesto synthesize and critically reflect upon similarities and differences between related concepts and opens up space for alternative research questions.