Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: Case Study on the Influence of Environmental Factors on Entrepreneurial Success

Abstract

Are entrepreneurs born or made? Until 1985, research was focused more on personality traits and characteristics as it was generally believed that psychological factors, intrinsic to humans, had a significant influence on the individual’s decision to become an entrepreneur. Subsequently, increasing evidence surfaced to suggest that environmental factors also played a contributing role in the decision making process to establish startup ventures. This paper attempts to develop a conceptual framework of the ecosystem which would motivate individuals to start new businesses.  A theoretical framework has been developed on the basis of literature review and discussions with entrepreneurs. The qualitative case was developed through in-depth interviews and a pilot study was used to test the ecosystem factors. Eight factors, comprising the ecosystem, were found to influence the decision of an individual to choose the path of entrepreneurship - Moral, Financial, Technology, Market, Social, Network, Government and Environmental Support.

Keywords: Ecosystem – Entrepreneurship – Environmental factors  - Environmental support