IDEAS home Printed from https://ideas.repec.org/a/pal/palcom/v12y2025i1d10.1057_s41599-024-04345-y.html
   My bibliography  Save this article

Digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and female entrepreneurial activity

Author

Listed:
  • Yangjie Huang

    (Hangzhou Normal University
    Wenzhou Medical University)

  • Jiali Zhang

    (Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Ying Xu

    (Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Yue Yuan

    (Hangzhou Normal University)

  • Mengting Zhang

    (Wenzhou Medical University)

  • Leilei Huang

    (Wenzhou Medical University)

Abstract

This study explores the relationship between the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and female entrepreneurial activity in 45 countries using Fuzzy Set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA). It highlights the importance of female entrepreneurship for economic and social development and examines how Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem elements collectively impact female entrepreneurial activity. Methodologically, it combines Necessary Condition Analysis (NCA) and fsQCA, using data from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) 2022 and the 2018 Global Digital Economy Development Index Report. The research identifies key Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem configurations that foster high levels of female entrepreneurial activity, characterized by varying societal norms and support systems. This approach challenges traditional linear models by highlighting a spectrum of conditions influencing female entrepreneurial activity. The study integrates Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem into female entrepreneurship analysis, providing insights for policymakers and stakeholders. This research contributes to a deeper understanding of how digital transformation influences the landscape of female entrepreneurship, emphasizing the role of digital ecosystems in promoting inclusive entrepreneurship.

Suggested Citation

  • Yangjie Huang & Jiali Zhang & Ying Xu & Yue Yuan & Mengting Zhang & Leilei Huang, 2025. "Digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and female entrepreneurial activity," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 12(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-04345-y
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-024-04345-y
    as

    Download full text from publisher

    File URL: http://link.springer.com/10.1057/s41599-024-04345-y
    File Function: Abstract
    Download Restriction: Access to full text is restricted to subscribers.
    File URL: https://libkey.io/10.1057/s41599-024-04345-y?utm_source=ideas
    LibKey link: if access is restricted and if your library uses this service, LibKey will redirect you to where you can use your library subscription to access this item
    ---><---

    As the access to this document is restricted, you may want to search for a different version of it.

    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Juan Piñeiro-Chousa & M. Ángeles López-Cabarcos & Ada Pérez-Pico & Jérôme Caby, 2023. "The influence of Twitch and sustainability on the stock returns of video game companies: Before and after COVID-19," Post-Print hal-03918138, HAL.
    2. Lurdes D. Patrício & João J. Ferreira, 2024. "Unlocking the connection between education, entrepreneurial mindset, and social values in entrepreneurial activity development," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 991-1013, April.
    3. Satish Nambisan, 2017. "Digital Entrepreneurship: Toward a Digital Technology Perspective of Entrepreneurship," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 41(6), pages 1029-1055, November.
    4. Ajzen, Icek, 1991. "The theory of planned behavior," Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, Elsevier, vol. 50(2), pages 179-211, December.
    5. Vicente Guerola-Navarro & Hermenegildo Gil-Gomez & Raul Oltra-Badenes & Pedro Soto-Acosta, 2024. "Customer relationship management and its impact on entrepreneurial marketing: a literature review," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 20(2), pages 507-547, June.
    6. Piñeiro-Chousa, Juan & López-Cabarcos, M. Ángeles & Romero-Castro, Noelia María & Pérez-Pico, Ada María, 2020. "Innovation, entrepreneurship and knowledge in the business scientific field: Mapping the research front," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 115(C), pages 475-485.
    7. Chong Zhang & Baoliu Liu & Yuhan Yang, 2024. "Digital economy and urban innovation level: A quasi-natural experiment from the strategy of “Digital China”," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, December.
    8. Mueller, Stephen L. & Thomas, Anisya S., 2001. "Culture and entrepreneurial potential: A nine country study of locus of control and innovativeness," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 16(1), pages 51-75, January.
    9. Elia, Gianluca & Margherita, Alessandro & Passiante, Giuseppina, 2020. "Digital entrepreneurship ecosystem: How digital technologies and collective intelligence are reshaping the entrepreneurial process," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 150(C).
    10. Welsh, Dianne H.B. & Kaciak, Eugene & Fadairo, Muriel & Doshi, Vijayta & Lanchimba, Cintya, 2023. "How to erase gender differences in entrepreneurial success? Look at the ecosystem," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 154(C).
    11. Yangjie Huang & Jiali Zhang & Ying Xu & Shuanglei Sun & Yajing Bu & Sihui Li & Yingying Chen, 2024. "College students’ entrepreneurship policy, regional entrepreneurship spirit, and entrepreneurial decision-making," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-12, December.
    12. Beynon, Malcolm J. & Jones, Paul & Pickernell, David, 2018. "Entrepreneurial climate and self-perceptions about entrepreneurship: a country comparison using fsQCA with dual outcomes," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 89(C), pages 418-428.
    13. J. Sevilla-Bernardo & Teresa C. Herrador-Alcaide & Blanca Sanchez-Robles, 2024. "Successful entrepreneurship, higher education and society: from business practice to academia," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    14. Shazia Kousar & Farhan Ahmed & Muhammad Afzal & Juan E. Trinidad Segovia, 2023. "Is government spending in the education and health sector necessary for human capital development?," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-11, December.
    15. Abootorabi, Hooman & Wiklund, Johan & Johnson, Alan R. & Miller, Cameron D., 2021. "A holistic approach to the evolution of an entrepreneurial ecosystem: An exploratory study of academic spin-offs," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 36(5).
    16. David Canning & Peter Pedroni, 2008. "Infrastructure, Long‐Run Economic Growth And Causality Tests For Cointegrated Panels," Manchester School, University of Manchester, vol. 76(5), pages 504-527, September.
    17. Avnimelech, Gil & Rechter, Eyal, 2023. "How and why accelerators enhance female entrepreneurship," Research Policy, Elsevier, vol. 52(2).
    18. Shamsul Karim & Caleb Kwong & Mili Shrivastava & Jagannadha Pawan Tamvada, 2023. "My mother-in-law does not like it: resources, social norms, and entrepreneurial intentions of women in an emerging economy," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 60(2), pages 409-431, February.
    19. Rishi Kant Kumar & Srinivas Subbarao Pasumarti & Ronnie Joshe Figueiredo & Rana Singh & Sachi Rana & Kumod Kumar & Prashant Kumar, 2024. "Innovation dynamics within the entrepreneurial ecosystem: a content analysis-based literature review," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-15, December.
    20. Abraham K. Song, 2019. "The Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem—a critique and reconfiguration," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 53(3), pages 569-590, October.
    21. Esin Yoruk & Paul Jones, 2023. "Firm-environment alignment of entrepreneurial opportunity exploitation in technology-based ventures: A configurational approach," Journal of Small Business Management, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 61(2), pages 612-658, March.
    22. Piñeiro-Chousa, Juan & López-Cabarcos, M. Ángeles & Pérez-Pico, Ada M. & Caby, Jérôme, 2023. "The influence of Twitch and sustainability on the stock returns of video game companies: Before and after COVID-19," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 157(C).
    23. Mohammad Sohail Yunis & Hina Hashim & Alistair R. Anderson, 2018. "Enablers and Constraints of Female Entrepreneurship in Khyber Pukhtunkhawa, Pakistan: Institutional and Feminist Perspectives," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(1), pages 1-20, December.
    24. Diana M. Hechavarría & Amy E. Ingram, 2019. "Entrepreneurial ecosystem conditions and gendered national-level entrepreneurial activity: a 14-year panel study of GEM," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 53(2), pages 431-458, August.
    25. Dilek Cetindamar & Vishal K. Gupta & Esra E. Karadeniz & Nilufer Egrican, 2012. "What the numbers tell: The impact of human, family and financial capital on women and men's entry into entrepreneurship in Turkey," Entrepreneurship & Regional Development, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 24(1-2), pages 29-51, January.
    26. Shepherd, Dean A. & Douglas, Evan J. & Shanley, Mark, 2000. "New venture survival: Ignorance, external shocks, and risk reduction strategies," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 15(5-6), pages 393-410.
    27. Deng, Wei & Orbes, Irina & Ma, Pengcheng, 2024. "Necessity- and opportunity-based female entrepreneurship across countries: The configurational impact of country-level institutions," Journal of International Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(4).
    28. Tan, Na & Fang, Jinping & Li, Xue, 2024. "Digital finance, cultural capital, and entrepreneurial entry," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 62(PA).
    29. Sascha Kraus & Domingo Ribeiro-Soriano & Miriam Schüssler, 2018. "Fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) in entrepreneurship and innovation research – the rise of a method," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 14(1), pages 15-33, March.
    30. Francisco Olmo-García & Fernando Javier Crecente-Romero & María Teresa Val-Núñez & María Sarabia-Alegría, 2023. "Entrepreneurial activity in an environment of digital transformation: an analysis of relevant factors in the euro area," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 10(1), pages 1-10, December.
    31. Jennifer L. Woolley, 2014. "The Creation and Configuration of Infrastructure for Entrepreneurship in Emerging Domains of Activity," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 38(4), pages 721-747, July.
    32. María J. Angulo-Guerrero & Elena Bárcena-Martín & Samuel Medina-Claros & Salvador Pérez-Moreno, 2024. "Labor market regulation and gendered entrepreneurship: a cross-national perspective," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(2), pages 687-706, February.
    33. Ojong, Nathanael & Simba, Amon & Dana, Leo-Paul, 2021. "Female entrepreneurship in Africa: A review, trends, and future research directions," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 233-248.
    34. Belitski, Maksim & Korosteleva, Julia & Piscitello, Lucia, 2023. "Digital affordances and entrepreneurial dynamics: New evidence from European regions," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    35. Nurdan Ozaralli & Nancy K. Rivenburgh, 2016. "Entrepreneurial intention: antecedents to entrepreneurial behavior in the U.S.A. and Turkey," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 6(1), pages 1-32, December.
    36. Menzies, Jane & Chavan, Meena & Jack, Robert & Scarparo, Simona & Chirico, Francesco, 2024. "Australian indigenous female entrepreneurs: The role of adversity quotient," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 175(C).
    37. Naved Hamid & Faizan Khalid, 2016. "Entrepreneurship and Innovation in the Digital Economy," Lahore Journal of Economics, Department of Economics, The Lahore School of Economics, vol. 21(Special E), pages 273-312, September.
    Full references (including those not matched with items on IDEAS)

    Most related items

    These are the items that most often cite the same works as this one and are cited by the same works as this one.
    1. Jiyoung Kimjeon & Per Davidsson, 2022. "External Enablers of Entrepreneurship: A Review and Agenda for Accumulation of Strategically Actionable Knowledge," Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, , vol. 46(3), pages 643-687, May.
    2. Yáñez-Valdés, Claudia & Guerrero, Maribel & Barros-Celume, Sebastián & Ibáñez, María J., 2023. "Winds of change due to global lockdowns: Refreshing digital social entrepreneurship research paradigm," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 190(C).
    3. Jabir Ali & Zakia Jabeen, 2024. "Digital ecosystem, entrepreneurial ecosystem and economic development as enablers of digital technology entrepreneurship," Managerial and Decision Economics, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 45(6), pages 3929-3941, September.
    4. Ben Youssef, Adel & Boubaker, Sabri & Dedaj, But & Carabregu-Vokshi, Mjellma, 2021. "Digitalization of the economy and entrepreneurship intention," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 164(C).
    5. Hussein-Elhakim Al Issa, 2020. "The Influence of Education and Environmental Support on Entrepreneurial Intentions," International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), International Journal of Economics & Business Administration (IJEBA), vol. 0(4), pages 946-965.
    6. Mehmet Bağış & Levent Altınay & Liridon Kryeziu & Mehmet Nurullah Kurutkan & Volkan Karaca, 2024. "Institutional and individual determinants of entrepreneurial intentions: evidence from developing and transition economies," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 883-912, March.
    7. Zahra, Shaker A. & Liu, Wan & Si, Steven, 2023. "How digital technology promotes entrepreneurship in ecosystems," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 119(C).
    8. Alessandra Colombelli & Emilio Paolucci & Elisabetta Raguseo & Gianluca Elia, 2024. "The creation of digital innovative start-ups: the role of digital knowledge spillovers and digital skill endowment," Small Business Economics, Springer, vol. 62(3), pages 917-937, March.
    9. Theodoraki, Christina & Dana, Léo-Paul & Caputo, Andrea, 2022. "Building sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems: A holistic approach," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 140(C), pages 346-360.
    10. Paul, Justin & Alhassan, Ibrahim & Binsaif, Nasser & Singh, Prakash, 2023. "Digital entrepreneurship research: A systematic review," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 156(C).
    11. Rafał Kusa & Marcin Suder & Belem Barbosa & Beata Glinka & Joanna Duda, 2022. "Entrepreneurial behaviors that shape performance in small family and non-family hotels during times of crisis," International Entrepreneurship and Management Journal, Springer, vol. 18(4), pages 1545-1575, December.
    12. Renata Dana NIÞU-ANTONIE & Emõke-Szidónia FEDER, 2017. "Entrepreneurial Intentions Amongst Students In Diverse Cultural Contexts," Business Excellence and Management, Faculty of Management, Academy of Economic Studies, Bucharest, Romania, vol. 7(1), pages 14-27, March.
    13. Angélica Pigola & Bruno Fischer & Gustavo Hermínio Salati Marcondes de Moraes, 2024. "Impacts of Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystems on Sustainable Development: Insights from Latin America," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(18), pages 1-30, September.
    14. Bejjani, Melissa & Göcke, Lutz & Menter, Matthias, 2023. "Digital entrepreneurial ecosystems: A systematic literature review," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 189(C).
    15. Xie, Zhimin & Wang, Xia & Xie, Lingmin & Dun, Shuai & Li, Jiaxin, 2021. "Institutional context and female entrepreneurship: A country-based comparison using fsQCA," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 132(C), pages 470-480.
    16. Bullini Orlandi, Ludovico & Zardini, Alessandro & Rossignoli, Cecilia, 2021. "Highway to hell: Cultural propensity and digital infrastructure gap as recipe to entrepreneurial death," Journal of Business Research, Elsevier, vol. 123(C), pages 188-195.
    17. Fernandes, Cristina & Ferreira, João J. & Veiga, Pedro Mota & Kraus, Sascha & Dabić, Marina, 2022. "Digital entrepreneurship platforms: Mapping the field and looking towards a holistic approach," Technology in Society, Elsevier, vol. 70(C).
    18. Muhammad Farooq Islam & Ozge Can, 2024. "Integrating digital and sustainable entrepreneurship through business models: a bibliometric analysis," Journal of Global Entrepreneurship Research, Springer;UNESCO Chair in Entrepreneurship, vol. 14(1), pages 1-18, December.
    19. Zellweger, Thomas & Sieger, Philipp & Halter, Frank, 2011. "Should I stay or should I go? Career choice intentions of students with family business background," Journal of Business Venturing, Elsevier, vol. 26(5), pages 521-536, September.
    20. Stefano D’Angelo & Angelo Cavallo & Antonio Ghezzi & Francesco Di Lorenzo, 2024. "Understanding corporate entrepreneurship in the digital age: a review and research agenda," Review of Managerial Science, Springer, vol. 18(12), pages 3719-3774, December.

    More about this item

    Statistics

    Access and download statistics

    Corrections

    All material on this site has been provided by the respective publishers and authors. You can help correct errors and omissions. When requesting a correction, please mention this item's handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:12:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-024-04345-y. See general information about how to correct material in RePEc.

    If you have authored this item and are not yet registered with RePEc, we encourage you to do it here. This allows to link your profile to this item. It also allows you to accept potential citations to this item that we are uncertain about.

    If CitEc recognized a bibliographic reference but did not link an item in RePEc to it, you can help with this form .

    If you know of missing items citing this one, you can help us creating those links by adding the relevant references in the same way as above, for each refering item. If you are a registered author of this item, you may also want to check the "citations" tab in your RePEc Author Service profile, as there may be some citations waiting for confirmation.

    For technical questions regarding this item, or to correct its authors, title, abstract, bibliographic or download information, contact: Sonal Shukla or Springer Nature Abstracting and Indexing (email available below). General contact details of provider: https://www.nature.com/ .

    Please note that corrections may take a couple of weeks to filter through the various RePEc services.

    IDEAS is a RePEc service. RePEc uses bibliographic data supplied by the respective publishers.