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Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Interregional Flows of Entrepreneurial Talent

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  • Leonardo Mazzoni
  • Massimo Riccaboni
  • Erik Stam

Abstract

The quality of entrepreneurial ecosystems not only enables local startups, but also affects the attraction and supply of non-local founders. We conceptualize entrepreneurial ecosystems as open systems with inflows and outflows of entrepreneurial talent. Beyond individual agency, these talent flows are driven by the quality of the origin and destination entrepreneurial ecosystems. We use network analysis and gravity models to study the interregional flows of founders of non-local startups within Italy, and find empirical evidence for creation, attraction and supply mechanisms of entrepreneurial ecosystems. Entrepreneurial ecosystems provide a supportive environment for the creation of local startups, but also attract non-local (potential) founders. In addition, we reveal an escalator mechanism: (prospective) entrepreneurs tend to move from good to better entrepreneurial ecosystems.

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  • Leonardo Mazzoni & Massimo Riccaboni & Erik Stam, 2024. "Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Interregional Flows of Entrepreneurial Talent," Papers in Evolutionary Economic Geography (PEEG) 2426, Utrecht University, Department of Human Geography and Spatial Planning, Group Economic Geography, revised Aug 2024.
    • Handle: RePEc:egu:wpaper:2426
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    entrepreneurial ecosystems; innovative startups; talent flows; non-local founders; complex systems; gravity models;
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