What will I learn on this module?
This module focuses on the external context for entrepreneurial businesses and the design and implementation of public policy to stimulate levels of entrepreneurship. You will therefore learn how entrepreneurial success at the level of a country or region can be shaped by the external environment and how governments are seeking to encourage and support entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial ecosystem is ‘a set of interconnected entrepreneurial actors (both potential and existing), entrepreneurial organisations, institutions and entrepreneurial processes which formally and informally coalesce to connect, mediate and govern the performance within the local entrepreneurial environment’ (Mason and Brown, 2014). You will explore the nature of these elements and their combination in different contexts as a means to understand the differences in levels of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial behaviour in different places. Examples will be provided of successful and less developed locations, and the local policy responses.
Specific topics will include:
Definitions and elements in entrepreneurial ecosystems
The role of institutions such as universities, finance capital etc
Measuring entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship policies
Entrepreneurship in metropolitan contexts
High tech enterprise and university spin offs
Rural enterprise
Entrepreneurship policy in developing countries
How will I learn on this module?
The module is focuses on classroom based teaching with lectures and seminars in which students are expected to engage with the academic and policy literature to develop case studies. Teaching staff will present research based lectures and will facilitate seminars in which students are expected to present their case study work. The teaching will be underpinned by digital resources available on the e-learning platform, including texts, videos and case studies. You will be expected to read key texts in advance of some sessions in order to be able to participate in interactive discussions on your understanding of concepts.
How will I be supported academically on this module?
You will be supported with a comprehensive set of learning materials via the e-learning platform which will provide access to academic materials such as journal articles, reports and case studies, but also grey literature such as company reports, newspaper and magazine articles, videos and blogs. The platform will include comprehensive reading lists for each component of the module (lectures and seminars).
Ongoing support and guidance will also be provided by the teaching team through a mix of class sessions and via discussions on the e-learning platform.
What will I be expected to read on this module?
All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.
What will I be expected to achieve?
Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the concepts underpinning entrepreneurial ecosystems and policies in a variety of settings.
2. Apply theoretical concepts relating to entrepreneurship policy to real world problems in order to develop solutions
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. Undertake individual desk research and develop research based case studies
Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
4. Develop a greater awareness of enterprise in different social and environmental contexts
How will I be assessed?
Formative assessment:
The taught sessions will be interactive and will require students to undertake preparatory research and do short presentations on the research case studies with informal feedback from tutors and other students.
Summative assessment:
The summative element of the assessment is made up of one component.
Students will develop a 3000 word case study report of an entrepreneurial ecosystem and or policy in a particular location. This assesses learning outcomes 1, 2, 3 and 4
Pre-requisite(s)
N/A
Co-requisite(s)
N/A
Module abstract
This module examines the external context for entrepreneurship through entrepreneurial ecosystems operating on a regional and national
scale. These include the organisations, institutions, rules of the game, process and policies which affect the level and nature of
entrepreneurship in a particular place. Drawing on recent and current research, you’ll examine the effects of different elements in an
ecosystem by analysing case studies and different environments, including metropolitan, rural and developing country contexts. You’ll be
expected to explore current research resources to develop case study material for the assessment, and to gain a better understanding of
what kinds of policies assist entrepreneurship. The module will be particularly helpful if you’re looking to move into economic development
roles or risk finance.
Course info
UCAS Code N155
Credits 20
Level of Study Undergraduate
Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad
Department Newcastle Business School
Location City Campus, Northumbria University
City Newcastle
Start September 2025
All information is accurate at the time of sharing.
Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.
Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.
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