This is the EU4Digital guidebook regarding the design of ICT entrepreneurial ecosystem builder organisations, dedicated to boosting the ICT entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Eastern partner countries (Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, the Republic of Moldova and Ukraine).
One of the key reasons for why the ICT entrepreneurial ecosystems in the region are performing at a low level is because there are few or no ecosystem builder organisations (such as SMEs and innovation agencies, public and private organisations) aiming to create high performing enablers (e.g. educators, investors) in the ecosystems. Furthermore, in the Eastern partner countries, public bodies often lack the relevant knowledge or expertise in ecosystem building.
Responsibilities for ICT entrepreneurial ecosystem development are fragmented, and a more comprehensive approach is needed to achieve efficient growth. Any existing organisations that conduct ecosystem building activities are in the process of understanding and structuring their role and key responsibilities. To support these organisations, in this report EU4Digital provides the framework for ICT entrepreneurial ecosystem builders, based on the best EU examples.
The ecosystem builder organisations should develop and support the local ICT innovation entrepreneurial ecosystems in the Eastern partner countries. Ecosystem builders operate by creating, empowering and boosting the enablers that comprise the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The objective of this document is to provide guidance on what actions should be implemented to establish and/or empower an ICT entrepreneurial ecosystem builder organisation(s). This includes designing the operational structure of an ecosystem builder organisation, determining main activities, performance indicators and processes. The document also provides a suggested framework for preparation and implementation of an action plan dedicated to development of the ecosystems.
This guide is designed for local policymakers (governmental institutions) and associated agencies, international organisations (including delegations of the European Union), aid agencies and international financial institutions.
