Mapping the Evolution of Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: A Thematic Review and Research Agenda

Abstract

In Sustainable Entrepreneurial Ecosystems (SEEs) there is a rapidly growing body of research on the entrepreneurial ecosystems, but this knowledge is still fragmented. Drawing on a core corpus of 14 publications screened from a wider set of 26 SEE-related works published between 2006 and 2026, this paper offers a focused thematic and conceptual-lineage synthesis, drawing out the development of SEE research in three aspects: theoretical foundations, conceptual development, and thematic structure. The review outlines three stages of evolution: a first one focused on economic outputs, a “sustainability turn” that incorporated environmental and social aspects and a more recent integrating journey involving systemic integration for new system-level frameworks and normative anchors beyond sustainability. Four general themes are found: the sustainability transformation of elements of the ecosystem, the increased role of entrepreneurs, the coordination of universities and intermediaries, and the measurement and evaluation of sustainable outputs. Drawing on these insights, the paper suggests an integrative research agenda that involves dynamic life cycle perspectives on SEE evolution, more in-depth understanding of governance and institutional logics, and normative grounding in thrivability. The paper provides the knowledge map of the SEE field which is integrative and provides direction for the theoretical maturation of the field