Fair and successful entrepreneurial ecosystems: Introducing contributism to balance inclusiveness and selectiveness

In this theoretical paper, we challenge the notion that aiming for inclusiveness per se improves the effectiveness of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs). We argue that thriving EEs tend to require a delicate balance between inclusiveness and selectiveness. In many contexts, contributions should primarily determine access to the EE. Moreover, we suggest that transparent inclusion processes can integrate both fairness and efficiency; we term that theoretical perspective contributism. Accordingly, we caution against well-intentioned inclusivity efforts that may inadvertently reinforce new forms of exclusion. Instead, we advocate for contribution-based thresholds that uphold excellence and call for a more nuanced dialogue that recognizes contribution-based selectiveness as an often necessary component of productive EEs.