Renewable Energy Ecosystems Financed by European Union Public Funds

Abstract

The past decades have seen the emergence of business ecosystems. Their historic evolution is important, as ecosystems are deemed new business models to progressively replace the old ones. Ecosystems are broadly and vaguely defined in literature review, where they represent new network business models. Empirical data about European project calls show precise definitions of ecosystem types and activities that are subject to European project funding calls. These definitions apply to new commercial entities recently created and funded by such European project calls. The chapter aims to build theory with a case study about emerging business practices with high instrumental value to other businesses, which may apply for European project calls. The methodology is a descriptive case study. Findings are the level of detail and focus on business practices exceed that of general and vague theory, thereby allowing business practice to contribute to theory and enrich it. Definitions of ecosystem entities and ecosystems management activities to be used across the European Union are this addition.