Entrepreneurial ecosystems and blended value creation: a configurational view

Purpose The aim of this research is to unravel how the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) elements can be configured to generate a higher density of knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship (KIE) dedicated to blended value creation (BVC). Design/methodology/approach Based on two asymmetric techniques, necessary condition analysis (NCA) and fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), we conducted a quantitative analysis with Brazilian projects participating in the Innovative Research in Small Businesses Program, an initiative dedicated to nurturing KIE in the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Findings The results show six paths related to EE elements driving BVC with adequate consistency and coverage. No EE dimension appeared as a necessary condition to promote higher levels of BVC. On the other hand, findings highlight the “market” and “innovation” dimensions as core causal conditions in three of six configurational paths. Surprisingly, the absence of the “regulatory environment” and “human capital” dimensions appeared as a core condition in three alternative configurations associated with improved BVC levels. Research limitations/implications The study contributes to the literature on EE and BVC in the context of a developing country. However, our sample’s specificity may limit our findings’ generalizability to EE embedded in different macro-level contexts. Practical implications The paper is addressed to academicians, practitioners, policy decision-makers and educators. Given the regulatory environment’s low significance, practitioners can leverage government initiatives and programs that support small companies with environmental and social significance. Additionally, the human capital shortage underscores the potential to implement more flexible work arrangements to facilitate BVC in entrepreneurial firms. Originality/value This is the first study that analyzes the interaction between KIE, EE and BVC. The findings suggest that creating social, environmental and economic value is loosely associated with several key pillars of EE within the examined sample, highlighting low levels of ecosystem “readiness” to support knowledge-intensive ventures.