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Different strokes for different folks: a configurational analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystems

Author

Listed:
  • Daniel L. Bennett

    (University of Louisville)

  • Siddharth Vedula

    (Technical University of Munich)

  • Michael Araki

    (University of Louisville
    University of New South Wales)

Abstract

We adopt a pluralistic view of productive entrepreneurship to examine how various elements of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) affect both performance-based (high-growth entrepreneurship) and non-performance-based (proprietorship rate and new venture creation) outcomes. Our theoretical framework is guided by the recently developed three-step configurational approach, and our analysis employs fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) on a comprehensive sample of U.S. regional EEs. We identified five types of EEs—Bottom-Up Ecosystem, Top-Down Ecosystem, Free Enterprise Foundation, Collectivistic VC-backed Ecosystem, and Individualistic VC-backed Ecosystem—highlighting diverse ways in which local resource endowments (e.g., talent and finance) and institutional arrangements (e.g., formal institutions and culture) combine to foster different entrepreneurial outcomes. This study broadens the applicability of the EE configurational approach, moving beyond the “Silicon Valley” model to embrace a more inclusive “Main Street” perspective, addressing the call for a more nuanced understanding of entrepreneurship determinants and outcomes across different contexts.

Suggested Citation

  • 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.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:sbusec:v:65:y:2025:i:3:d:10.1007_s11187-025-01038-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s11187-025-01038-x
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    JEL classification:

    • L26 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Entrepreneurship
    • R11 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - Regional Economic Activity: Growth, Development, Environmental Issues, and Changes
    • M13 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Business Administration - - - New Firms; Startups
    • O12 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Microeconomic Analyses of Economic Development
    • P16 - Political Economy and Comparative Economic Systems - - Capitalist Economies - - - Capitalist Institutions; Welfare State

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