A study of the Genesis, Growth and Sustained Performance of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: An Evolutionary and Systemic Approach in the Case of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This thesis examines the genesis and growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem (EE) systematically and dynamically in the case of a developing country, specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. By synthesizing systemic and evolutionary perspectives, the study focuses on assessing the impact, influential evolutionary dynamics and mechanisms, and interrelations of the components of EEs on entrepreneurial ventures. It connects these components to a life cycle model with four phases of the EE and an evolutionary process model that structures generative dynamics, explaining how entrepreneurial ventures can evolve to foster productive entrepreneurship and sustained EEs in developing countries.