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The role of regional actors in shaping cohesive local entrepreneurial ecosystems

Samantha Burvill Orcid Logo, Robert Bowen Orcid Logo, Beth Cummings Orcid Logo

The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

Swansea University Authors: Samantha Burvill Orcid Logo, Beth Cummings Orcid Logo

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DOI (Published version): 10.1177/14657503261429724

Abstract

The concept of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EE) has gained traction both in academic and policy circles over recent years. Despite this, many questions still exist especially regarding micro-level aspects of EEs, particularly the role of support organisations, and how local actors contribute to and s...

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Published in: The International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
ISSN: 1465-7503 2043-6882
Published: SAGE Publications 2026
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URI: https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa71632
Abstract: The concept of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EE) has gained traction both in academic and policy circles over recent years. Despite this, many questions still exist especially regarding micro-level aspects of EEs, particularly the role of support organisations, and how local actors contribute to and shape a cohesive ecosystem. This study aims to garner an in depth understanding of the role of a local ecosystem leader/facilitator organisation in furthering the well-being agenda of their region. This is critical given the current preoccupation within the EE literature on high growth ecosystems. Through an in-depth case study of an ecosystem facilitator in South West Wales, the findings highlight the critical yet often overlooked role played by less common types of organisations within local ecosystems in contributing to and furthering the sustainable development goal and well-being agenda. The facilitator develops a cohesive ecosystem through the collective action of actors in a vibrant and engaged ecosystem.
Keywords: entrepreneurial ecosystem; regional actors; well-being; sustainable development goals (SDGs); regional development
College: Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
Funders: Funding for this research was provided from a grant from the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales.

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