Investigating the relationship between digital entrepreneurial ecosystems and internationalisation of new ventures: A fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis

Abstract

Purpose: This study explores how configurations of digital entrepreneurial ecosystem (DEE) components influence the internationalisation of new ventures. It moves beyond single-factor analyses to examine the configurational logic of how multiple DEE components interact to drive international expansion.
Design/methodology/approach: Employing data from 47 countries retrieved from the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) database and the Digital Platform Economy Index, this research applies fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA) to identify combinations of DEE components that are conducive to high levels of internationalisation among new ventures.
Findings/results: The findings reveal that: (1) No single condition within DEE is necessary for improving internationalisation of new ventures; (2) Three configurations can lead to a high-level of internationalisation of new ventures, in which digital infrastructure governance and digital user citizenship are core conditions; (3) DEE components show the substitution effects among the configurations.
Practical implications: The findings offer a nuanced understanding of how DEEs can be strategically leveraged to foster cross-border growth, providing valuable insights for policymakers, ecosystem designers, and entrepreneurs seeking to enhance international competitiveness.
Originality/value: By adopting a systems theory perspective, this study contributes to international entrepreneurship research by revealing the system-level and interactive effects of DEE components.