| Title | Chapter 2: Entrepreneurial ecosystems: A practical and metaphysical perspective |
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| Contributor | Niel Kruger(editor) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.4102/aosis.2025.BK527.02 |
| Landing page | https://books.aosis.co.za/index.php/ob/catalog/book/527 |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ |
| Copyright | Natanya Meyer, Marius Venter & Niel Kruger (eds.). Licensee: AOSIS (Pty) Ltd. The moral right of the editors and authors has been asserted. |
| Publisher | AOSIS |
| Long abstract | The complex nature of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) defies a singular definition, posing challenges for practical understanding and policy intervention. Although theoretical perspectives by authors like Stam, Spiegel and Isenberg offer conceptual insights, the practical difficulty arises from the unique composition of each EE, moulded by the interplay of numerous variables. This intricacy restricts the applicability of genericroot causes in research, limiting their value in comprehending EEs. Nevertheless, when EEs reach a tipping point, they tend to become relatively self-sustaining, necessitating reduced governmental assistance. Recognising the significance of comprehending EEs at the local economic development (LED) level, this chapter aims to develop a local economic development entrepreneurial ecosystem (LED EE) framework. This framework seeks to pragmatically measure, track and functionally define EEs from the smallest functional unit within the sub-Saharan African context. Aligning with the major domains of development, namely finance, culture, policy, supports, markets and human capital, the LED EE framework provides a comprehensive approach to assessing and understanding EEs. By considering these critical factors, the framework contributes to the pursuit of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8): Decent work and economic growth. Sustainable Development Goal 8 aims to foster sustained economic growth, productive employment, and decent work opportunities, making the exploration of EEs vital in achieving these objectives. The methodology employed in this research includes a qualitative approach utilising an in-depth review of the literature and a thematic analysis to identify key themes related to EEs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the factors influencing their development. |
| Print length | 33 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
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Niel Kruger is an independent researcher associated with the DHET-NRF SARChI in Entrepreneurship Education in the Department of Business Management at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa. He earned his PhD in Risk Management from North-West University (NWU), South Africa. He was a former post-doctoral research fellow at the University of Johannesburg, and a recipient of the full NWU Master’s scholarship and full NWU PhD scholarship awarded by NWU in 2016 and 2018, respectively. He has contributed to academic publishing as an associate editor for the GiLE Journal of Soft Skills Development and senior assistant editor for the Journal of Contemporary Management. Kruger has also served as an advisory board member for the GiLE Journal of Soft Skills Management and worked in technology transfer at UJ INV, facilitating academic research commercialisation. He has published 11 academic articles, and supervised several Master’s students.