Evaluating the relationship between entrepreneurial ecosystem, resilience and SME performance in post-pandemic period

PurposeThe literature on entrepreneurship implicitly suggests that developed nations' entrepreneurial ecosystems (EE) are positively related to small and medium enterprise performance. However, few theoretical and empirical studies explicitly investigate this relationship in emerging economies. Also, earlier studies have concentrated on the EE–SME performance association in a stable environment without any uncertainties. Hence, the current study analyses the relationship between EE and SME performance in an emerging economy. Entrepreneurial resilience (ER) has been introduced (mediator) to understand the EE–SME performance relationship in the post-pandemic period.Design/methodology/approachThe research sample comprises 359 Indian SMEs. The owners/managers of each SME were contacted to obtain responses. The research employs a multifaceted method Partial Least Squares-structural equation modelling that permits the investigation of several concurrent associations for data analysis.FindingsThe findings reveal that EE significantly impacts ER and SME performance. Additionally, ER partially mediates the relationship between EE and SME performance. The findings indicate that post-pandemic India's EE positively influences SME performance directly, as well as indirectly through ER.Research limitations/implicationsThe results provide implications for policymakers from economies similar to India's. It suggests that policymakers can enhance ER and, consequently, SME performance during periods of uncertainty by focusing on developing an EE with strong institutional foundations, supportive frameworks and a culture of adaptability.Originality/valueSMEs and entrepreneurial activities in India are relatively new, but they are rising rapidly. This investigation adds to our knowledge of EE and allows us to comprehend its components in developing countries. This article contributes to the knowledge of India’s SME performance from an EE and ER perspective in the post-pandemic scenario.