Conceptualizing Regional Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Resilience

Abstract

Abstract An entrepreneurial ecosystem reflects a dynamic network of interdependent entities each interacting to create and exchange value for communities. In this context we adopt a regional view to group micro, small, and family-based enterprises working within a regionally defined geographic boundary. This we refer to as a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem (REE), and we propose a distinctive school of thought that considers ecosystems-as-regions. This chapter presents a synthesis of the themes in the academic literature to conceptualize the concept of REE resilience and governance by connecting as critical elements four broad factors: internal business factors, external relational factors, diversity, and government. Our aim is to examine how the process of regional governance can be conceived to influence REE resilience as enterprises recover, adapt, or transform their business, and consequently the region, as they confront crisis events. From this perspective, future research is proposed.