Aside from the research examining entrepreneurship comparatively across different countries, the IE literature has paid relatively little attention to the role of local context in the processes and outcomes associated with firms’ identification and pursuit of international business opportunities. This is a significant gap that needs to be addressed.
Since much of the IE could be categorized as high potential entrepreneurship (given that it often occurs in technology and knowledge intensive industries), the notion of entrepreneurial ecosystems can provide a valuable theoretical angle for IE researchers seeking to understand the drivers, challenges and outcomes of international venturing. The new book “Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: Theory, Practice and Futures” by Ben Spigel provides a very accessible and comprehensive look at theoretical foundations, the key actors and processes of entrepreneurial ecosystems. It offers a concise synthesis of key findings and critiques of previous ecosystems research that are likely to be appreciated by scholars seeking to incorporate the impact of local context and policy in their studies of IE. Spigel makes a nuanced but important distinction between entrepreneurial ecosystems, biological ecosystems, industrial clusters and regional innovation systems (RIS) – all of which can have a unique impact on how entrepreneurs create value across borders.
The book includes a chapter dedicated to the global entrepreneurial ecosystems. The eBook version (priced from £22/$31) is available from Google Play, ebooks.com and other eBook vendors, while in print the book can be ordered from the Edward Elgar Publishing website.