The concept of the entrepreneurial ecosystem: a case of Berlin

This research analyzestheframework conditions anddeterminants,facilitating entrepreneurship and innovation inthe confined geographical area of Berlin. Arigorliterature review establishesa detailedunderstandingofthetheoreticalconcept of the entrepreneurial ecosystemand the correspondingcritical success factors. Anexploratory research approachis applied.Twenty-onesemi-structured expert interviews with foundersand venture capital expertsare conducted,permittingthe identification, analysis,and comparison of critical success factors ofthe entrepreneurial ecosystem of Berlin.Critical success factors and points of improvement are elaboratedon,andpractical implications for the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Berlin derived.The research extends the theoretical concept by empirically obtained factors. Asimilar perception of success factorsbetween interview partner categoriesisdiscernible.Strengthsof the Berlin entrepreneurial ecosystem comprise a diversetalent pool,a community culture,and early-stage financing opportunities.The influence of locational and network factors on the performance and success of the Berlin entrepreneurial ecosystemisidentified.Afirm regulatoryinvestmentenvironment and insufficient late-stage financing options are highlighted as impeding factors. Implications for the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Berlin comprise short-term and long-term investments to reinforce the entrepreneurial environment, improvementof support structures and entrepreneurial culture, expansion of late-stage business structures, and enhancement of interconnectedness of entrepreneurial actors.Theoretical implications and recommendations for future research are outlined.