Introduction: The Rise of Startup Ecosystems in East Asia

East Asia’s burgeoning startup ecosystems are reshaping the global innovation landscape. While Silicon Valley has long been regarded as the gold standard for entrepreneurial success, East Asia—particularly Japan, South Korea, and China—have taken a distinctly different development path, shaped by long-term strategic guidance from governments, the influence of collectivist culture, and local historical experiences. This book seeks to challenge the dominant Silicon Valley-centric and, more broadly, Western-centric narrative by examining four key dimensions: (1) global innovation trends and theoretical frameworks; (2) the differentiated development paths of Japan, South Korea, and China; (3) the key issues of culture, policy, and internationalisation; and (4) practical implications for stakeholders. Through this analysis we not only reveal the distinctive characteristics of East Asian startup ecosystems and the forces shaping them, but also offer practical insights for stakeholders, including local entrepreneurs pursuing growth strategies, international investors navigating regional dynamics, and policymakers refining innovation frameworks. While highlighting East Asia’s entrepreneurial successes, we also critically examine its ongoing challenges, offering a nuanced assessment of the region’s role in shaping global innovation.