Configurational paths of entrepreneurial activity: An analysis based on the technology–organization–environment framework

Entrepreneurial activity is crucial for economic progress and resolving societal issues. Utilizing the technology–organization–environment (TOE) theoretical framework, this study builds a systematic model to investigate the trajectories of entrepreneurial activities across 31 provinces in China from 2019 to 2021. We employ the fuzzy set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) method. Our analyses indicate that (1) multiple factors impact both high entrepreneurial activity and non-high entrepreneurial activity; entrepreneurial activity is significantly different between advanced and catching-up regions; (2) there are two types of paths that lead to high entrepreneurial activity, namely technology driven and technology–institution driven. These paths are dynamic, gradually transitioning from technology driven and technology–institution driven to industry–resource driven; and (3) non-high entrepreneurial activity may result from poor technological infrastructure and lack of human capital. These findings elucidate the different routes through which entrepreneurial activity is generated in China and offer valuable theoretical and practical insights.