Policy brief
Systemic approach towards entrepreneurial ecosystem building
A model rooted in developing country realities
- Published by
- Swisscontact
This whitepaper presents a model for fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems in developing countries.
It shifts focus from donor-driven efforts to entrepreneur-centred development, emphasising trust, social fabric and local ownership.
Developed through action research and social network analysis, the model includes coordinated interventions, civic capacity building and sustainable financing. It advocates for long-term, inclusive and resilient ecosystems led by entrepreneurs, supported by specialised Entrepreneurial Support Organisations, and facilitated by neutral ecosystem builders.
Useful for policymakers, funders, and development practitioners, the model offers a practical framework to strengthen entrepreneurial systems grounded in real-world local contexts.