The Role of Diaspora Entrepreneurs in Start-up Ecosystem Development A Berlin Case Study

Abstract

Start-up ecosystem has reached great attention in the recent research. Understanding how dynamic ecosystems develop has become of major interest for policy makers due to a potential regional economic well-being. In this study, we explore how the uniqueness of diaspora entrepreneurs may contribute to the development of a successful start-up ecosystem. Based on a case study conducted in Berlin, we analyse the role of diaspora entrepreneurs in ecosystem development with a conceptual framework developed from Austrian capital theory. The empirical findings show that diasporans are an auspicious co-creator for Berlin's ecosystem development as they enrich the supportive environment with diverse resources that local entrepreneurs cannot provide. We found that diasporans in Berlin reinforce the ecosystem's capitals and act as important 'interweavers' of such capitals to the unique and successful structure of Berlin's start-up ecosystem.