Abstract
This thesis consists of four papers and an introductory chapter. Drawing on sociological theories of place, this thesis contextualises how entrepreneurial
ecosystems (EEs) evolve, exploring how the socio-spatial, socio-economic and place-based dimensions of context interact across multiple geographies over
time. The overarching contribution of this thesis is in defining the importance of place in EEs. Adopting an evolutionary perspective on EEs, this thesis argues that the core EE dynamics—the interactions between contexts, entrepreneurship and sustainable development—cannot be productively integrated without acknowledging the circumstances of place. Through four papers looking at EE contexts spanning Europe, Latin America and Africa, this thesis shows how and why place helps to explain the relationships, interactions and activities needed for EEs to create positive social, environmental and economic impacts. The papers deal with questions of place-based entrepreneurship and innovation being driven by universities and other actors seeking to address socioenvironmental challenges (Chapters 2 and 3) and to overcome concentration in natural resource-based industries (Chapters 4 and 5). The thesis finds that the limits of place are being redefined within the socio economic paradigm of sustainable development. First, it shows the rise of civil society actors in dealing with developmental and societal challenges in an entrepreneurial manner. Second, it highlights institutional actors, such as entrepreneurial universities and state-owned enterprises, adapting their missions to foster solidarity with communities and the environment.