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Uncommon methods and metrics for local entrepreneurial ecosystems

Author

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  • Feldman, Maryann
  • Fleming, Lee
  • Heaton, Sohvi
  • Desai, Sameeksha
  • Teece, David

Abstract

Scholars are always searching for better data, new models and novel theories. This special issue presents new empirical approaches for studying local entrepreneurial ecosystems. Our objective is to provide insights into the state of the art of the new methodologies and uncommon data to study the dynamics and functioning of local entrepreneurial ecosystems. ‘Uncommon data’ refers to curated data from digital sources, with bespoke indicators derived from social media and interpretations derived from observation. The papers propose new methods and measures and draw upon a wide variety of empirical evidence, from large sample analyses of archival data to detailed qualitative investigations. The authors outline the need for multidisciplinary approaches and dynamic research designs that incorporate firm-level dynamics as a key dimension of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Taken together, the papers provide important insights into the major issues facing policymakers and researchers of entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Feldman, Maryann & Fleming, Lee & Heaton, Sohvi & Desai, Sameeksha & Teece, David, 2022. "Uncommon methods and metrics for local entrepreneurial ecosystems," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 51(9).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:respol:v:51:y:2022:i:9:s004873332200107x
    DOI: 10.1016/j.respol.2022.104583
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Bruno Brandão Fischer & André Cherubini Alves & Nicholas S. Vonortas & Ross Brown, 2026. "Foundations of entrepreneurial ecosystems configurations," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 51(1), pages 199-225, February.
    2. Shi, Xianwei & Liang, Xingkun & Luo, Yining, 2023. "Unpacking the intellectual structure of ecosystem research in innovation studies," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(6).
    3. Carolin Ioramashvili & Maryann Feldman & Frederick Guy & Simona Iammarino, 2024. "Gathering round Big Tech: How the market for acquisitions concentrates the digital sector," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 17(2), pages 293-306.
    4. Richard T. Harrison, 2026. "“Close enough to speak; distant enough to learn?” A critique of the entrepreneurial ecosystem metaphor," The Journal of Technology Transfer, Springer, vol. 51(1), pages 11-33, February.
    5. Ross Brown & Augusto Rocha & Haoran Sun & Marc Cowling, 2025. "Unpacking the money-distance nexus: mapping the spatial configuration of exogenous entrepreneurial finance across UK entrepreneurial ecosystems," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 1501-1515, October.
    6. Rabelo Neto, José & Figueiredo, Claudia & Gabriel, Bárbara Coelho & Valente, Robertt, 2024. "Factors for innovation ecosystem frameworks: Comprehensive organizational aspects for evolution," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 203(C).
    7. Johannes Hähnlein & Matthias Baum & Carolin Durst, 2026. "Giving something back: how reciprocal motivation drives entrepreneurs to contribute to their entrepreneurial ecosystem," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 66(1), pages 451-484, January.
    8. Daniel L. Bennett & Siddharth Vedula & Michael Araki, 2025. "Different strokes for different folks: a configurational analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystems," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 65(3), pages 1547-1569, October.
    9. Tekic, Anja & Tekic, Zeljko, 2025. "Resource endowments as antecedents of high-impact entrepreneurship: Embracing the complexity of entrepreneurial ecosystems," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 197(C).
    10. Avnimelech, Gil & Amit, Assaf, 2024. "From startup nation to open innovation nation: The evolution of open innovation activities within the Israeli entrepreneurial ecosystem," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(9).
    11. Hess, Sophia, 2025. "Empirical entrepreneurial ecosystem research: A guide to creating multilevel datasets," Journal of Business Venturing Insights, Elsevier, vol. 23(C).
    12. Evan E. Johnson & Lauren Lanahan & Amol M. Joshi & Iman Hemmatian, 2025. "The Role of Community Development Financial Institutions in Supporting Inclusive Economic Development," Economic Development Quarterly, , vol. 39(3), pages 196-210, August.
    13. Guerrero, Maribel & Siegel, Donald S., 2024. "Schumpeter meets Teece: Proposed metrics for assessing entrepreneurial innovation and dynamic capabilities in entrepreneurial ecosystems in an emerging economy," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 53(5).

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