The Composition and Operation Mechanism of Digital Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A Study of Hangzhou Yunqi Town as an Example

Abstract

Purpose—The digital entrepreneurship ecosystem (DEE) literature is dominated by conceptual studies and lacks micro-level theoretical foundations and empirical evidence. This study aims to explore the largely overlooked question of what the components and operational mechanisms of DEE are. Design/methodology/approach—The study adopts a qualitative exploratory approach. The empirical data consist of field research, semi-structured interviews, and web-based information. Hangzhou Dream Town, China, is the research object. Findings—This study reveals the composition and operation mechanism of DEE. The operation mechanisms of DEE include opportunity symbiosis and value symbiosis. Compositions include digital users, digital entrepreneurs, investment institutions, governments, etc. Practical implications—This study contributes to DEE research by analyzing China’s DEE to help other regions understand how government-driven DEEs are established. This study also helps Digital Startups understand how the DEE works, which allows them to achieve digital entrepreneurship. Originality/value—The study draws evidence from a micro-level perspective which enriches understanding of the DEE phenomenon. It also provides theoretical support for the establishment of a DEE.

An evolutionary game analysis of digital transformation of multiagents in digital innovation ecosystems

“…Yang et al adopted the fsQCA method to study the influence of system participants and their relationships on the technical performance and financial performance of core enterprises [18]. Chu et al used the conceptual model method to construct the operation mechanism of the digital intelligence empowerment innovation ecosystem, including the resource orchestration mechanism, knowledge value-added mechanism, openness mechanism, symbiotic evolution mechanism, technology-driven mechanism, flexible mechanism, performance feedback mechanism and support guarantee mechanism [19]. Shao et al adopted a single-case study method to analyze in depth the formation process of digitally empowered innovation ecosystems, i.e., Digital technology empowers the action subjects in the system through resources, psychology, and structure, continuously forming information management and shared collaboration models, enabling enterprises to achieve leapfrog development from monolithic to diversified to systemic [20].…”

Interaction and Main Effects of Finance Support and Other Business Support Services on the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: A Case Study of the Mpumalanga Province, South Africa

“…Another level added to the EE concept was the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE). It is a concept that links producers and users of digital products through digital platforms which, according to Chu and Li (2022), merge the entrepreneurial ecosystem and the digital ecosystem. The study uses a qualitative exploratory methodology to expand on how the DEE functions for any prospective digital start-up to achieve digital entrepreneurship.…”