Mapping the dynamics of collaboration within innovation-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems
This project is developing a participatory approach to mapping innovation ecosystems and innovation-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems, which pairs interactive workshops among ecosystem actors with social network mapping and analysis. The first phase of the project, implemented between May 2019 and February 2020, focused on mapping the dynamics of collaboration within prominent innovation-oriented entrepreneurial ecosystems in Spain, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay. This geography includes the most vibrant urban innovation ecosystems within the service area of Santander Universidades, the project sponsor.
The project brought groups of between 30-60 ecosystem actors in each city together for two days to learn about each other’s work, identify existing assets and gaps in their ecosystems, and jointly construct a social network map of their collaborations. These workshops also introduced participants to best practices for ecosystem strengthening drawn from the Local Innovation Group’s research.
The second phase of the project, which is currently underway, involves sharing the results of the ecosystem mapping with actors in each ecosystem, convening follow-up sessions, and jointly developing action plans for ecosystem strengthening.
Reports
The following reports provide high-level summaries of the results of the ecosystem mapping efforts conducted during the project’s first phase. The reports have been issued first in Spanish for accessibility by actors within each ecosystem. A full-length report, including results from all six cities and additional methodological details and analysis, is planned for release in English and Spanish in late 2020.
- Executive Summary Report: Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Executive Summary Report: Madrid, Spain
- Executive Summary Report: Mexico City, Mexico
- Executive Summary Report: Montevideo, Uruguay
- Executive Summary Report: Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Executive Summary Report: Sao Paulo, Brazil
Team
Elizabeth Hoffecker, MIT D-Lab Research Scientist, Principal Investigator
Marcelo Tedesco, MIT D-Lab Research Affiliate, lead for project implementation
Molly Rubenstein, Innovation Ecosystem Manager, workshop facilitator
Benji Moncivaiz, Consultant, workshop facilitator
Julio Lavalle, Consultant, workshop facilitator
Oda Scatolini, Consultant, workshop facilitator
Tanya Serrano, Consultant, workshop facilitator, materials design
Sophia Janowitz, Consultant, editorial design and report production
Implemented in collaboration with Global Ecosystem Dynamics Initiative
With funding from Banco Santander, Santander Universidades
Contact
Elizabeth Hoffecker, MIT D-Lab Research Scientist; Lead, Local Innovation Group