Stakeholder support for sustainable entrepreneurship - a framework of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems

Past studies in the field of sustainable entrepreneurship have highlighted the need for future research to examine how a supportive external environment for sustainable entrepreneurship can be created. In order to address this research gap, this paper analyses the role of stakeholder support for developing sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. This paper is based on a systematic literature review of the fields of sustainable entrepreneurship, stakeholder management and entrepreneurial ecosystems. The findings highlight the importance of extensive, tailored and collaborative stakeholder support for encouraging engagement in sustainable entrepreneurship and for creating strong sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. This paper offers three main contributions. First, it opens a new conversation by merging three largely separate research fields to advance an understanding of the concept of a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. Second, a framework of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems is established. Third, it puts forward a set of propositions concerning the development of sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems. This paper concludes with theoretical and practical implications and suggestions for further research.