The interplay of technology and knowledge constitutes the backbone of entrepreneurial ecosystems, crucial for fostering innovation. This study applies the economic complexity approach as a tool for quantitatively evaluating these ecosystems in German labor market regions. Our contribution to the literature involves linking comprehensive micro-datasets encompassing economic sectors and patent data spanning from 2012 to 2021. We delve into the dynamics of these ecosystems and their influence on the emergence of high-growth firms (Gazelles), economic growth (GDP and p.c.), and high-value patents. This paper offers novel empirical insights into the quality of entrepreneurial ecosystems, comparable across time and space, and their broader economic impact.
(joint work with Matthias Brachert)
Nils Handler, DIW Berlin
Topics: Climate policy , Firms