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The distinctiveness and diversity of entrepreneurial ecosystems in China, Japan, and South Korea: an exploratory analysis

Author

Listed:
  • Martin Hemmert

    (Korea University)

  • Adam R. Cross

    (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University)

  • Ying Cheng

    (Chongqing University)

  • Jae-Jin Kim

    (Hoseo University)

  • Florian Kohlbacher

    (Economist Corporate Network)

  • Masahiro Kotosaka

    (Keio University)

  • Franz Waldenberger

    (German Institute for Japanese Studies)

  • Leven J. Zheng

    (Xi’an Jiaotong-Liverpool University
    University of Liverpool)

Abstract

Entrepreneurial ecosystems at the regional level have been intensively studied in Western countries, but much less so in East Asia. We study five major ecosystems located in Tokyo, Seoul, Beijing, Suzhou, and Chongqing, focusing on the business conditions for information technology (IT) start-ups. Our domain analysis reveals that these entrepreneurial ecosystems differ in various important aspects from leading Western counterparts such as Silicon Valley. Furthermore, we find differences in the growth and internationalization of firms across entrepreneurial ecosystems in China, Japan, and South Korea. Public policy should focus on supporting high-potential start-ups and strengthening the ecosystems’ global outreach.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Hemmert & Adam R. Cross & Ying Cheng & Jae-Jin Kim & Florian Kohlbacher & Masahiro Kotosaka & Franz Waldenberger & Leven J. Zheng, 2019. "The distinctiveness and diversity of entrepreneurial ecosystems in China, Japan, and South Korea: an exploratory analysis," Asian Business & Management, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 18(3), pages 211-247, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:abaman:v:18:y:2019:i:3:d:10.1057_s41291-019-00070-6
    DOI: 10.1057/s41291-019-00070-6
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