Understanding the dynamics of entrepreneurial ecosystems: evidence from a longitudinal case study

Drawing from entrepreneurship and innovation perspectives, the object of this chapter is to dig deeper into the longitudinal dynamics that characterize entrepreneurial ecosystems. Previous studies have tended to assume a static approach to the analysis of entrepreneurial ecosystems, largely neglecting both their origins and stimulus as well as the processes that make them vibrant and self-sustaining. For this purpose, we collect evidence from an Italian entrepreneurial ecosystem, which is based in the city of Messina, and deeply analyze key processes, events, and people inspiring its genesis and development. Our findings offer interesting insights into the longitudinal dynamics that characterize entrepreneurial ecosystems to both academic scholars and policy makers.