10 It Takes a Village: Towards Entrepreneurial Ecosystems Dedicated to the Poor

Despite dedicated efforts to advance the literature on entrepreneurship and poverty, the role of entrepreneurial ecosystems (EEs) has yet to be thoroughly explored in this context. This chapter aims to bridge this gap by investigating the intersection of entrepreneurship and poverty in developed countries, with a specific focus on sub-ecosystems dedicated to poor entrepreneurs. By examining the role and functioning of these sub-ecosystems, we gain insight into their potential to foster social and economic inclusion. We advocate for the application of the theory of complex adaptive systems to effectively represent and understand such sub-ecosystems, uncovering their unique attributes and dynamics. Furthermore, this chapter delves into evaluating the inclusiveness of sub-ecosystems for poor entrepreneurs, drawing comparisons with traditional ecosystems that predominantly emphasize innovation and technology-driven growth.