Objectives and competences
In this course students:
1. Understand theoretical knowledge in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems. This is a study of the entrepreneurial framework conditions that together define the national environment and influence how easy or difficult it is to start a new business and develop it into a sustainable established business. As understood by many authors, the role of entrepreneurial ecosystem is about shaping the interactions between systemic and framework conditions so that they are adhered to and enable productive entrepreneurship.
2. Know how to apply most recent methodological approach while investigating the phenomena of entrepreneurial ecosystem. On the basis of the research question identified, students develop research hypotheses that are to be tested by quantitative research methods.
3. Achieve transferable/key skills while applying the model of entrepreneurial ecosystem at the level of the national economy and comparison of Slovenia with the EU and the world.
4. Determine, evaluate and apply theoretical and empirical knowledge of most dominant authors in the field of studying specifics of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
Content (Syllabus outline)
1. Entrepreneurial ecosystems and entrepreneurs – contextual definition
2. Theoretical definition of ecosystem and entrepreneurial ecosystem – overview
3. Models of entrepreneurial ecosystems
4. Ecosystem thinking
5. Intellectual foundations of entrepreneurial ecosystems
6. Actors and factors of entrepreneurial ecosystems
7. Ecosystem practices and processes
8. Evolution of entrepreneurial ecosystems
9. Global entrepreneurial ecosystems
10. Digital entrepreneurial ecosystems
11. Critiques of entrepreneurial ecosystems
Intended learning outcomes - knowledge and understanding
Development of Knowledge and Understanding
Students:
1. Acquire specific knowledge in the field of understanding the importance and specialties of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
2. Have a detailed knowledge of theories in the field of ecosystem thinking.
3. Distinguish key concepts, legality and interconnections in the field of entrepreneurial ecosystems models.
4. Develop the skills to interpret the scores in the field of evaluation of national entrepreneurial ecosystem and their comparison with Europe and other world countries.
5. Learn how to analyse and synthesise different approaches in dealing with entrepreneurial ecosystem successful functioning.
6. Can pursue further analysis regarding entrepreneurial ecosystems.
7. Can demonstrate awareness of wider social and environmental ethical issues in this areas.
Cognitive and Intellectual Skills
Students:
1. Understand and apply critical analysis and theory development and their usability by independent solving of real professional problems.
2. Get the ability to search for and synthesize new information from the field of business growth in literature and praxis.
3. Synthesize different knowledge and procedures and are aware of importance of use of scientific literature.
4. Can select appropriate techniques for problem solving and are able to evaluate the importance and significance of data.
5. Can determine key aspects of problem from different viewpoints and argue alternative approaches.
6. Can act independently and with originality in problem solving.
7. Can lead in planning and implementing tasks at a professional or equivalent level.
Key / Transferable Skills
Students:
1. Develop skills and expertise in the use of knowledge in a specific scientific research area.
2. Upgrade the ability to become an autonomous learner.
3. Upgrade the ability to apply information technology.
4. Upgrade the ability to work in pairs and groups.
5. Can communicate complex or contentious information clearly and effectively to specialists / non-specialists and understands lack of understanding in others.
6. Can act as a recognised and effective consultant.
Practical Skills
Students:
1. Can operate in complex and unpredictable / specialised contexts that may be at the forefront of knowledge.
2. Have overview of the issues governing good practice about entrepreneurial ecosystems.
3. Can act in a professional capacity for self / others, with responsibility and largely autonomously and with initiative in complex and unpredictable situations.
4. Have technical mastery, performs smoothly with precision and effectiveness.
5. Can adapt skills and design or develop new skills / procedures for new situations.
Readings
1. Spigel. B. (2020). Entrepreneurial Ecosystems; Theory, Practice and Futures. UK Northampton, MS, USA: Edward Elgar.
2. Cavallo, A., Ghezzi, A. & Balocco, R. (2019). Entrepreneurial ecosystem research: present debates and future directions. Int Entrep Manag J 15, 1291–1321.
3. Acs, Z.J., Stam, E., Audretsch, D.B. & O'Connor, A. (2017). The lineages of the entrepreneurial ecosystem approach, Small Business Economics 49, 1-10.
4. Spigel, B. (2017). The relational organization of entrepreneurial ecosystems, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice, 41(1), 49–72.
5. Stam, E. (2015). Entrepreneurial ecosystems and regional policy: a sympathetic critique, European Planning Studies. 1–11.
6. Mason, C., & Brown, R. (2013). Creating good public policy to support high-growth firms, Small Business Economics, 40(2), 211–225.
7. Feld, B. (2012). Startup communities: Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem in your city. John Wiley & Sons.
8. Isenberg, D. (2010). How to Start an Entrepreneurial Revolution, Harvard Business Review, June, 41–51.
9. Global Entrepreneurship Monitor – letno poročilo in raziskave (dostopno na http://ipmmp.um.si/ in www.gemconsortium.org) / GEM studies and yearly reports (available at http://ipmmp.um.si/ and www.gemconsortium.org).
Izbrani članki iz podjetniških revij, (kot npr. Journal of Business Venturing, Small Business Economics, Journal of Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice) / Selected papers from entrepreneurship journals (Journal of Business venturing, Small Business Economics, Journal of Small Business Management, Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice).
