Network mechanisms for supporting entrepreneurially weak regions

Abstract

Entrepreneurial network creation can be considered one of the important factors of regional development. The paper focuses on the problem of entrepreneurial network development in entrepreneurially weak regions. It shows that digital technologies are key elements of a modern entrepreneurial ecosystem. Systematization of network effects allowed for the conclusion that the main conditions for their occurrence are trust and ICT-based platforms. The paper draws on quantitative and qualitative data from interviews with owner-managers from a study of SMEs in an entrepreneurially weak region of Belarus to assess the nature of their networking activity. The survey did not identify any formal networks of SMEs in the form of consortia or temporary arrangements in the Vitebsk region, and showed that the problems hindering the development of SME cooperation in the Vitebsk region are lack of information about potential partners, a low level of trust between entrepreneurs, lack of infrastructure and services for business community cooperation support. This article offers a regional system for entrepreneurs networking development using three types of ICTbased platforms: a public-private partnership (PPP) platform, entrepreneur’s partnership groups (EPG) platforms and Living Labs platform. The proposed policy measures for regional authorities would be expected to allow them to contribute to creating an effective entrepreneurial ecosystem in entrepreneurially weak regions.