Networks, Contexts and Ecosystems for Entrepreneurship 5 credits

Entrepreneurship and innovation rarely happen in a vacuum. Instead, entrepreneurs leverage networks of stakeholders, resources, and institutions—collectively known as entrepreneurial ecosystems. These ecosystems not only support the development of innovative and sustainable ventures but also drive regional economic growth, create employment opportunities, and accelerate technological advancement and the green transition. Since such ecosystems increasingly offer support for funding, talent, knowledge, and market access, understanding how these networks function and evolve has become critical for anyone working to foster innovation and entrepreneurial activity. Entrepreneurial ecosystems can also provide the leverage to generate positive societal impact. In this course, you will explore the components and dynamics of entrepreneurial networks, ecosystems, and contexts. You will examine how different actors—entrepreneurs, investors, universities, government bodies, incubators, and accelerators—collaborate and share resources to reduce barriers for new ventures. The course covers how strong ecosystems provide access to finance, talent, knowledge, markets, and supportive policies. You will investigate the roles different stakeholders play in ecosystem development and analyse how these networks nurture innovation, competitiveness, inclusiveness, and resilience within local and global economies. You will also understand what characterises entrepreneurship in different kinds of contexts—such as types of entrepreneurship—ranging from everyday, to social to for-profit activities, different industries—including low and high tech, and regional contexts—ranging from rural contexts in Sweden to contexts of the Global South. By completing this course, you will be able to analyse network and ecosystem dynamics in different kinds of contexts and identify opportunities to strengthen them. You will recognise where different stakeholders contribute most effectively and understand where your own skills and interests align with networking and ecosystem-building roles. This knowledge prepares you for careers in diverse positions related to ecosystem development—from working with incubators and accelerators to roles in government agencies, universities, or organisations dedicated to fostering entrepreneurial growth and creating positive societal impact.