Innovation systems and entrepreneurial ecosystems: Implications for policy and practice in Latin America

2019 ◽  
Vol 34 (8) ◽  
pp. 787-806
Author(s):  
L Carlos Freire-Gibb ◽  
Geoff Gregson
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Innovation Policy ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Economic Consequences ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Advanced Economy ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

This paper examines the concept of entrepreneurial ecosystems and the more established concept of systems of innovation and considers their application in Latin America, where many countries are currently experiencing political and economic upheaval. The paper finds that current entrepreneurial ecosystem literature is not directly applicable to most of Latin America, as it takes for granted features of an advanced economy, while the innovation system literature favours studies of well-functioning economies and innovation in high-technology sectors. Findings suggest that network and institutional perspectives may enrich both concepts in theoretical and analytical term and complementary innovation system and entrepreneurial ecosystem perspectives appear well suited in further defining the needs and demands of local production structures and existing resource and knowledge capabilities. The paper suggests the need for measurable transformations in Latin American production and support structures that include embracing social, organisational, and interactional innovation and socially oriented entrepreneurial activity. The paper encourages further research to identify the drivers and economic consequences of distinctive Latin American entrepreneurial ecosystems and for researchers to adopt an evolutionary perspective that acknowledges historical trajectories in different regions, where local social, political, and economic regimes will influence the trajectory and success of future innovation policy initiatives.

Rust belt or revitalization: competing narratives in entrepreneurial ecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 42 (1) ◽  
pp. 102-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip T. Roundy
Keyword(s):  
Process Model ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Rust Belt ◽  
Cultural Narratives ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Connected Set ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
Practical Implications

PurposeEntrepreneurial ecosystems, the inter-connected set of organizing forces that produce and sustain regional entrepreneurial activity, are receiving heightened attention. This research finds that narratives about ecosystem participants discursively construct entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, the studies do not emphasize ecosystem and region-level narratives, focus on ecosystems in which narratives are uncontested and, thus, do not examine how ecosystem narratives compete with other regional narratives. The purpose of this paper is to develop a theory that explains how narratives and entrepreneurial ecosystems emerge and change in response to existing regional narratives.Design/methodology/approachA longitudinal process model is proposed to explain how entrepreneurial ecosystem narratives emerge and compete with other regional narratives. To illustrate the phases of the model, archival data were collected from three entrepreneurial ecosystems where new narratives have had to overcome entrenched economic and cultural narratives.FindingsIt is theorized that entrepreneurial ecosystems emerge, in part, through discourse. For an entrepreneurial ecosystem to develop, a narrative must take hold that allows participants to make sense of the new entrepreneurial activities and the changes to the region. A four-phase process model is presented to explain how entrepreneurial ecosystem narratives compete with other regional narratives and, particularly, negative economic narratives.Originality/valueThe theory developed in this paper contributes to the research on entrepreneurial ecosystems and organizational narratives and generates practical implications for policymakers and entrepreneurs seeking to promote entrepreneurship as a tool for economic development.

GLOBALIZATION, GENDER AND ENTREPRENEURIAL ACTIVITIES IN LATIN AMERICA

2019 ◽  
Vol 24 (04) ◽  
pp. 1950024
Author(s):  
YASSAMAN SAADATMAND ◽  
DENNIS BARBER
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Large Body ◽  
Time Span ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Political Globalization ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activities ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Latin American And Caribbean

Although a large body of literature deals with the concept of globalization, the study of the relationship between globalization and entrepreneurship is an unchartered territory. We look at data from eighteen Latin American and Caribbean countries over a fifteen-year time span. Our findings indicate that de facto economic, social, trade and interpersonal globalization are negatively related to female and male entrepreneurial activities. De facto political globalization is the only category of globalization this study finds to be related positively to entrepreneurial activity (male and female), which implies policymaking may be a viable manner to encourage entrepreneurial activities. Political shifts to encourage females to undertake entrepreneurial activities can be seen across the globe.

scholarly journals Challenges for Innovation and Sustainable Development in Latin America: The Significance of Institutions and Human Capital

2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 4077
Author(s):  
Laura Zapata-Cantu ◽  
Fernando González
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Empirical Studies ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
National Innovation System ◽  
The Sustainable Development ◽  
Global Innovation

Sustainable development is considered as one of the vital challenges of the 21st century for humanity. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted economic and social life, forcing governments and businesses to reconsider their priorities. There are rare empirical studies on the national innovation system and its relationship to sustainability development for emerging countries. This paper aims at shedding light on how mission-oriented policies have marked sustainable regional development and innovation in Latin America. The present study presents the capabilities that could support the improvement of the national innovation system and, as a consequence, sustainability development. To understand how Latin American countries act on innovation and sustainable development initiatives, two global rankings in these areas, The Global Innovation Index 2020 and The Sustainable Development Report 2020, were analyzed. The results indicate some obstacles must be overcome such as the high levels of social inequality and poverty that still constitute significant challenges for this region. Today’s biggest challenges are facing a pandemic situation and guaranteeing economic development that allows the underprivileged to escape poverty without dooming future generations to an even more degraded environment than the current one. Innovation continues to play a critical role in the transition toward a more sustainable world.

scholarly journals Closing the Gap Between Emerging Initiatives and Integrated Strategies to Strengthen Science Diplomacy in Latin America

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra López-Vergès ◽  
Lorena Macías-Navarro ◽  
Alma Cristal Hernández-Mondragón ◽  
Eugenia Corrales-Aguilar ◽  
Marga Gual Soler ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Regional Cooperation ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Innovation Ecosystem ◽  
Global Issues ◽  
Science Diplomacy ◽  
Institutional Strategies ◽  
The Impact

Science diplomacy is a fast-growing field of research, policy, and practice dedicated to understanding and reinforcing the connections between science and international affairs to tackle national, regional, and global issues. By aligning science and diplomacy, countries can attract talent, strengthen their national research ecosystems, provide avenues for participation of scientists in policy, and coordinate integrated solutions to challenges with technical dimensions. While Latin America has a long tradition of bilateral and regional cooperation, science still plays a marginal role in foreign policy, as has become evidenced by the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With few exceptions, Latin American nations have a relatively immature science, technology, and innovation ecosystem, compounded by low public and private investments in research, coexisting with profound socio-economic inequalities, and large vulnerable populations. Such challenging conditions have created barriers to a fluid relationship between science and diplomacy, fundamentally characterized by inefficient communication between scientists and policymakers, weak collaboration channels, and duplicated roles, which altogether perpetuate siloed mentalities and a lack of trust between the two communities. Over the last decade, a first influential wave of Latin American scientists, diplomats, and other professionals, including five of the co-authors, have undertaken science diplomacy training provided by specialized organizations. Through these experiences, we recognized the need to elevate awareness and build capacities in science diplomacy in our respective countries and overall, across Latin America. Here, we describe emerging efforts and mechanisms to bridge the gap between scientists and policymakers at the national and regional level. Furthermore, we offer recommendations to amplify the impact of those pioneering initiatives toward consolidating a robust science diplomacy practice across the region. The national experiences described from Costa Rica, Mexico, and Panama can serve as a roadmap for other Latin American nations in the early process of developing a science diplomacy strategy, so they can also align themselves to a collective pathway. Most critically, we propose a way forward so that Latin America can leapfrog beyond disjointed training of individuals into integrated institutional strategies that can harness the tools of science diplomacy to enhance science-informed multilateral cooperation and enable more effective science-informed policymaking.

scholarly journals Governance of knowledge and innovation in the Ibero-American agri-food system

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. e0112
Author(s):  
Jose-Maria Garcia-Alvarez-Coque ◽  
Eugenia Saini ◽  
Esther Esteban-Rodrigo ◽  
Francisco Mas-Verdu
Keyword(s):  
Latin America ◽  
Best Practices ◽  
Latin American ◽  
Food System ◽  
Agricultural Research ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Organizational Evaluation ◽  
Self Evaluation ◽  
The Caribbean ◽  
And Gender

Aim of study: Governance and the knowledge and innovation system (KIS) are interrelated concepts. Knowledge management best practices are linked to KIS performance. This article explores the governance of the leading research, development, and innovation institutes in Ibero-American agriculture, food, and agro-industry sector. The paper reports mapping of the governance of 20 agricultural research institutes.Area of study: Latin America and the Caribbean, Spain and Portugal.Material and methods: In total, 51 strategic objectives for effective governance were identified. Self-evaluation by the National Agricultural Research Institutes (NARIs) was validated at a workshop backed by FONTAGRO, a cooperation mechanism amongst Latin American and the Caribbean countries, Portugal and Spain, and the Ibero-American Network of NARIs.Main results: As a strength, the key dimension of NARIs appears to be coordination and cooperation. This result was acknowledged in the internal and external evaluations and supports previous research on the relevance of innovation networks in Latin America. By contrast, as a challenge, the key dimension appears to be demand articulation, followed closely by capacity building. Most of the institutes are also well-positioned to develop deeper ties with social and environmental challenges.Research highlights: In the medium and long term, NARIs should make efforts to improve the processes of organizational evaluation and learning, demand articulation, and strategic direction of the institutions. Improvement in management processes, in addition to best practices social responsibility and gender equality, appear to be short-term priorities.

Triple Helix Systems: An Analytical Framework for Innovation Policy and Practice in the Knowledge Society

2013 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 237-262 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marina Ranga ◽  
Henry Etzkowitz
Keyword(s):  
Triple Helix ◽  
Innovation Policy ◽  
Knowledge Society ◽  
Innovation System ◽  
Analytical Framework ◽  
Knowledge Flows ◽  
Theory And Practice ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Fine Grained ◽  
Circulation Of Knowledge

This paper introduces the concept of Triple Helix systems as an analytical construct that synthesizes the key features of university–industry–government (Triple Helix) interactions into an ‘innovation system’ format, defined according to systems theory as a set of components, relationships and functions. Among the components of Triple Helix systems, a distinction is made between (a) R&D and non-R&D innovators; (b) ‘single-sphere’ and ‘multi-sphere’ (hybrid) institutions; and (c) individual and institutional innovators. The relationships between components are synthesized into five main types: technology transfer; collaboration and conflict moderation; collaborative leadership; substitution; and networking. The overall function of Triple Helix systems – knowledge and innovation generation, diffusion and use – is realized through a set of activities in the knowledge, innovation and consensus spaces. This perspective provides an explicit framework for the systemic interaction between Triple Helix actors that was previously lacking, and a more fine-grained view of the circulation of knowledge flows and resources within and among the spaces, helping to identify existing blockages or gaps. From a Triple Helix systems perspective, the articulation and the non-linear interactions between the spaces can generate new combinations of knowledge and resources that can advance innovation theory and practice, especially at the regional level.

Entrepreneurial ecosystem narratives and the micro-foundations of regional entrepreneurship

2018 ◽  
Vol 20 (3) ◽  
pp. 194-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip T Roundy ◽  
Mark A Bayer
Keyword(s):  
Social Psychology ◽  
Narrative Theory ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Cultural Artifacts ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Sources Of Variation ◽  
Develop Theory ◽  
Micro Foundations

Entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs), the set of forces that generate and sustain regional entrepreneurial activity, are a growing focus of scholars and practitioners. Studies are beginning to draw attention to the role of cultural artifacts, including narratives, in the functioning of EEs. However, the mechanisms driving narratives’ effects on ecosystem participants are unexamined. The purpose of this article is to develop theory that explains the influence of EE narratives on how information is processed by audiences. It is theorized that differences among ecosystems can, in part, be explained by differences in the properties of the narratives that take hold in them. Specifically, propositions are developed about four properties that represent sources of variation among ecosystem narratives: their ability to capture attention, influence the cognitive and emotional encoding of information, and be memorable. Further, it is argued that the maturity of the EE influences the novelty and potency of narrative effects. By integrating theories of cognitive and social psychology, narrative theory, and entrepreneurship, this article advances our understanding of how narratives about EEs influence audiences.

To bridge or buffer? A resource dependence theory of nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (4) ◽  
pp. 550-575 ◽  
Author(s):  
Philip T. Roundy ◽  
Mark A. Bayer
Keyword(s):  
Economic Development ◽  
Resource Dependence ◽  
Resource Dependence Theory ◽  
System Level ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Ecosystem Size ◽  
Dependence Theory

Purpose Vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystems, systems of inter-related forces that promote and sustain regional entrepreneurship, are increasingly viewed as sources of innovation, economic development and community revitalization. Regions with emerging, underdeveloped or depressed economies are attempting to develop their nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems in the hopes of experiencing the positive benefits of entrepreneurial activity. For nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems to grow requires resources. However, how nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems manage their resource dependencies and the tensions that exist between creating and attracting resources are not clear. The purpose of this paper is to propose a theory of nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem resource dependence. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper analyzes entrepreneurial ecosystems as meta-organizations and builds on resource dependence theory to explain how nascent ecosystems respond to environmental dependencies and their resource needs through internal and external strategies. Findings Two specific strategies used by nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems to manage resource dependence – bridging and buffer – are explored. It is proposed that there is a positive relationship between the resource dependence of a nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem and its use of bridging and buffering activities. Two ecosystem characteristics that influence the pursuit of bridging and buffering – ecosystem size and the presence of collaborative values – are also identified. In addition, it is theorized that resource dependence strategies influence a key, system-level characteristic of entrepreneurial ecosystems: resilience, the ecosystem’s ability to respond and adapt to internal and external disruptions. Originality/value The theory presented generates insights into how nascent entrepreneurial ecosystems create and obtain resources when ecosystems are unmunificent, resource-constrained or underdeveloped. The theorizing addresses which resource dependence strategy – buffering or bridging – has a stronger link to resource dependence (and resilience) and under what conditions these linkages occur. The theoretical model generates insights for research on entrepreneurship in emerging and developed economies and produces practical implications for ecosystem participants, policymakers and economic development organizations.

scholarly journals Developing local entrepreneurial ecosystems through integrated learning initiatives: the Lancaster case

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhiannon Pugh ◽  
Danny Soetanto ◽  
Sarah L. Jack ◽  
Eleanor Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Regional Development ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Ecosystem Development ◽  
Integrated Learning ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Theoretical Frameworks ◽  
North West ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
The North

Abstract This paper considers a concept gaining popularity: entrepreneurial ecosystems. It finds a significant lacuna in the concept as it stands as it does not sufficiently consider learning within regional ecosystems. Considering the established centrality of learning for entrepreneurial activity and regional development, it is surprising that the entrepreneurial ecosystem literature does not yet incorporate how learning occurs in time and space within regional ecosystems. This paper presents research conducted in the North West of England over (20) years examining programmes to support entrepreneurial and regional development. It argues that learning, and the pro-active support thereof, is crucial within an entrepreneurial ecosystem and should be fully considered within theoretical frameworks and policy blueprints designed to support and encourage entrepreneurship within regions. As a tangible suggestion of how to theoretically incorporate learning into entrepreneurship ecosystem development efforts, we present an integrated learning model developed by entrepreneurship scholars through collaborations with practitioners.

Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem based on crowdfunding in Europe: the role of public policy

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 297-318 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonella Francesca Cicchiello
Keyword(s):  
Policy Coordination ◽  
Entrepreneurial Activity ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystem ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Entrepreneurial Ecosystems ◽  
Equity Crowdfunding ◽  
Regulatory Frameworks ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
New Perspective

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to assess the role that public policies may have in re-shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems and supporting the creation of functioning ecosystems based on new forms of finance, i.e. the equity-based crowdfunding. Design/methodology/approach The paper first identifies and examines the European policies developed to encourage the use of equity crowdfunding in entrepreneurial finance from 2003 to 2018. Then, it reviews national regulatory frameworks for crowdfunding, and analyses the barriers that constrain the growth of national crowdfunding markets. Finally, the paper addresses the issue of regulatory harmonisation by underlining its importance in building an entrepreneurial ecosystem based on crowdfunding. Findings Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem based on crowdfunding requires better policy coordination between European countries and readiness to take concerted actions. National authorities must look at the crowdfunding phenomenon from a European perspective and align their policies. European policymakers must import best practices from thriving national ecosystems by implementing less bureaucratic policies and with greater impact on entrepreneurial activity. Social implications In a post-crisis economy, the architecture of entrepreneurial ecosystems must evolve and focus on new financing alternatives ensuring the survival of successful businesses. Originality/value The paper offers a new perspective on entrepreneurship looking at the formation and development of new ecosystems around equity crowdfunding platforms. It also provides a relevant starting point for subsequent studies into this field.

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