The role of diversity and coherence in the emergence and consolidation of a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem

Abstract

Purpose This study aims to explore the degree of diversity and coherence of the components of an entrepreneurial ecosystem at the micro, meso and macro levels in Central Sabana Province in Colombia to establish the strengths and opportunities for improvement of the mentioned ecosystem. Design/methodology/approach This study uses cross-sectional analysis of multiple cases. Findings The entrepreneurial ecosystem under study can be categorized as an imbalanced system due to the great diversity it presents in terms of its actors, resources and support programs. Regarding coherence, the ecosystem has not achieved a common objective regarding entrepreneurial processes or the recognition of the strengths of its actors and the specific needs of the entrepreneurs. Practical and social implications The study of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in a particular region has allowed the identification of the strengths of the ecosystem; the establishment of the degree of alignment of actors, resources and programs in the region; the identification of the preference of support and programs for certain types of enterprises with low economic and social impacts; and the characterization of the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the province as self-organized but in need of institutional leadership that supports the effort required for the consolidation of the ecosystem. Originality/value Unlike traditional approaches in this field of study, this paper approaches a regional entrepreneurial ecosystem from a qualitative perspective through eight categories of analysis grouped into three levels of study: macro, meso and micro, exploring the degree of diversity and coherence of the actors and their interactions in the ecosystem.