Replicable entrepreneurship ecosystems utilizing change management models and social innovation approaches

Abstract

This thesis examines the evolution from theoretical construct to practice implementation of the Edmonton Entrepreneurship and Enterprise Ecosystem, with specific concentration on the alignment of the transition from theory into practice within a change management model and social innovation process. Because an entrepreneurship ecosystem focuses on generating a solution to an opportunity or problem and getting people engaged in generating that solution, an action research approach was used for the research, which included focus groups, consultations and collaborations and an extensive literature review. Self-realization by decision makers, who do not necessarily stay long in positions of decision-making, is one of the major impediments to sustainability of the entrepreneurship ecosystem. Success is thus determined not only by the initial change agents and processes employed to affect successful change, but also by the monitoring and recalibration of changes that are necessary to survive, maintain position and achieve fast-paced, successful and sustainable growth.