Exploring Entrepreneurial Landscapes: A Comprehensive Study of the Italian Entrepreneurial Ecosystem and a Comparative Exploration of Diverse Balkan Countries

Abstract

Entrepreneurship and entrepreneurs are increasingly recognized as a dominant solution to the developmental challenges encountered by both developed and developing economies. Within scholarly and professional circles, there is unanimous acknowledgment of the vital role and importance of entrepreneurial activities. In the wake of globalization, the idea of the entrepreneurial ecosystem evolved as a basic reaction to the shifting economic paradigm. Within this framework, this paper systematically investigates the role of entrepreneurship as a key driver of economic dynamics, focusing on entrepreneurial ecosystems in Italy and selected Balkan countries. The methodology for analyzing the Italian entrepreneurial ecosystem is comprehensive, utilizing quantitative measures and indices to identify its strengths and weaknesses. Following that, a detailed explanation of the complex network of factors influencing the Italian entrepreneurial ecosystem is provided, using Isenberg's model as an analytical framework. Expanding the scope beyond Italy, this study incorporates selected Balkan countries with a focus on regional differences in the development of entrepreneurship. Using a cross-country analysis, the goal is to map the main barriers to entrepreneurship in the examined regions in order to identify lessons for future development as well as to investigate the potential role of the Italian entrepreneurial ecosystem as a benchmark for assessing and improving the entrepreneurial landscape in selected Balkan countries. Finally, providing a comprehensive view of the entrepreneurial landscape can help inform relevant political and economic initiatives at both the local and international levels.