Transnational Entrepreneurs Dynamics in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: A Critical Review

Abstract

A major challenge which has hindered our understanding of entrepreneurial ecosystem is its lack of specification and conceptual limitations. The entrepreneurial ecosystem consists of complex components and actors. In addition, the concept has theoretical limitations because it is a multi-actor phenomenon with dynamic interactions. These complexities have limited our comprehension of the diverse nature of entrepreneurial ecosystems and their dynamics. Though the entrepreneurial concept recognises the role of the local entrepreneurial context, one critical aspect in broadening our knowledge is the role of nonlocal or transnational actors and resources in entrepreneurial ecosystems. Particularly, in entrepreneurial ecosystems where there are no close bonds with transnational actors and resources. This article identifies the Nigerian entrepreneurial ecosystem to discuss the role of diasporans as nonlocal or transnational actors in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. It then outlines the theoretical explanations of the dynamics of diaspora transnational actors and resources and their interactions in entrepreneurial ecosystems, from the network and institutional theoretical standpoint. The exploration of empirical data helps to make the network and institutional theoretical underpinnings clearer. The conclusion suggests areas of future research that can inform policy interventions.