Framing Inclusion in Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: A Systematic Literature Review and Research Agenda

The concept of inclusion is a timeless issue that is increasingly relevant for Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (EEs) and the European policy agenda in general. EEs are dynamic and highly complex structures which are shaped by external and internal forces, and a variety of stakeholders. They present the types of cultural, social, economic, and political resources that surround and support entrepreneurs. Even within the same EE, entrepreneurs with different social and economic profiles (e.g., female entrepreneurs, disabled persons, refugees, etc.) may encounter vastly different support services and opportunities. Many studies also highlight that most current ecosystem approaches do not pay enough attention to factors that structurally exclude and marginalize certain groups in entrepreneurship. Inclusion as a term refers to the process where secure citizens have the same opportunities to participate fully in economic, social and cultural life. Hence, it highlights having a certain standard of living and well-being, considered as normal in the society and context in which they live. Additionally, it encompasses equal access to the labor market, facilities, services, and resources. Applying this approach in the context of contemporary EEs is crucial to provide opportunities for every citizen and capitalize on the capabilities of a more diverse workforce. In this context, the U.N. has called for a review of ecosystems addressing the challenge of developing enterprises by the underserved. Consequently, the question arising is how current literature addresses inclusion in the context of EEs. This study aims to identify the contemporary academic understanding around inclusion in entrepreneurship, provide insights on the challenges for inclusion in EEs, and suggest actions that can enhance EEs in terms of inclusion. This work starts from gender inclusion and expands across the spectrum of excluded groups. To address this issue, a systematic literature review was carried out encompassing the research topic concerning the relationship between EEs and inclusion followed by an analysis of the main topic and issues identified. Using this approach, this work identifies gaps in the existing EE literature around the concept of inclusion while also providing a mapping of under-researched topics and highlighting under-represented groups and their current and potential connection to EEs.