Uncovering the Cultural Beliefs in a Nascent Entrepreneurial Ecosystem

In this paper, we use Cultural Consensus as a theory and methodology and collect and analyze individuals’ mental models of entrepreneurship. This novel approach, combined with social network analysis, allows us to empirically study the shared cultural beliefs present within a nascent EE. Based on this case, we determine that, in contrast to mature ecosystems, the cultural beliefs within this nascent entrepreneurial ecosystem clearly prioritize action and behavioral elements over individual characteristics or entrepreneurial-related outcomes. Thus, our study suggests that the cultural beliefs within early ecosystems are different than the cultural beliefs that underpin mature ecosystems. We discuss implications and future research related to these findings and this approach.