The Entrepreneurial Ecosystem in a Multi-level Perspective on Transitions

Abstract

This thesis investigates the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) in a multi-level perspective on transitions (MLP). Because the interplay of EE and MLP is in a nascent stage, two cases, Rotterdam in the Netherlands and Vaasa in Finland, are scrutinized using a qualitative method. In Vaasa, I performed an internship at Merinova Technology Centre oy. I conducted 44 semi-structured interviews with relevant EE actors. Using an abductive method, the empirical insights of these interviews are systematically combined with case-specific information, EE, and MLP theory. Based on the findings, I developed a transformative entrepreneurial ecosystem (TEE) framework (Figure 6) that combines EE and MLP theory and depicts the generalizable configuration of the EE that encourages entrepreneurship across multiple niches, which subsequently support the urban transition to sustainability. By developing this conceptual TEE framework, I make theoretical and practical contributions to the interplay of the fields of EE and MLP.