No islands of entrepreneurship—mapping the trans-local dimension of entrepreneurial ecosystems through networks of accelerator participation

Kuebart, Andreas; Santini, Erica; Forrer, Valentina

Abstract

This paper explores the geography of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) and provides a typology of how EEs are connected trans-locally. Although the literature has mainly focused on the place-specificities of EEs, there is limited research on the trans-local connections established by entre-preneurial support organizations (ESOs) that foster exogenous dynamics. Exploiting a longitudinal data-set of European startups participating in accelerator programs embedded within EEs, this study disentangles patterns of temporary relocation and maps the centrality of EEs through both network and cluster analysis. Our results support the notion of startups being locally embedded but also emphasize the flow of knowledge and resource exchange across different EEs. Eventually, the spatial network of temporary relocations highlights a mix of EE profiles, indicating that trans-local exchange through accelerator participation is the norm rather than the exception within EEs. This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of EEs and the role of accelerators in facilitating and shaping trans-local entrepreneurial activities. Plain English Summary Startups are not just staying local, but regularly travel between cities for accelerator programs, creating a powerful network of knowledge exchange between Entrepreneurial Ecosystems. Exploring the location choices of startups for accelerator participation, we discovered that they frequently travel to participate in accelerator programs in other cities. This creates a web of connections where knowledge, resources, and ideas flow between different startup hubs. Rather than being isolated , entrepreneurial communities are deeply interconnected through these temporary relocations.

Citation

Kuebart, A., Santini, E., & Forrer, V. (2025). No islands of entrepreneurship—mapping the trans-local dimension of entrepreneurial ecosystems through networks of accelerator participation. Small Business Economics, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-025-01026-1

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 26, 2025
• Online Publication Date: Mar 28, 2025
• Publication Date: Mar 28, 2025
• Deposit Date: Apr 16, 2025
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 22, 2025
• Journal: Small Business Economics
• Print ISSN: 0921-898X
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-0913
• Publisher: Springer Verlag
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11187-025-01026-1
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/47825739
• Publisher URL: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11187-025-01026-1