A meta-analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystem elements and entrepreneurial activity

Abstract

This meta-analysis examines the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) elements and regional entrepreneurial activity (EA). An extensive literature search is performed to identify quantitative studies covering EE elements and EA at the regional level (257 studies) and to extract relevant data (2,241,813 observations). To synthesize the findings, we group the potential antecedent variables based on Stam’s (European Planning Studies, 23(9):1759-1769, 2015) EE framework. The results show large differences in the effect sizes and relevance of EE elements. Based on the empirical results, three relevant elements underlying all EEs are identified: demand, talent, and finance. Our results remain robust after using different methods for variable grouping, applying meta-analytic regression, and controlling for country, publication specifics, and grouping errors. Propositions for building an EE theory are derived, and future research opportunities are discussed, as well as policy implications.