Building an entrepreneurial ecosystem
: factor analysis of Abu Dhabi’s attempt to promote an innovation, knowledge-based economy

  • Ana Capuder (Student)

Student thesis: Master's Thesis

Abstract

This thesis examines the factors shaping entrepreneurial ecosystems, comparing Silicon Valley and Abu Dhabi. While Silicon Valley benefits from an established innovation culture, Abu Dhabi is a rapidly developing ecosystem, driven by its aim to transition from an oil to a knowledge-based economy. Despite significant investment and government support, Abu Dhabi faces challenges including risk aversion, a preference for public sector jobs, and talent shortages. Using a mixed methods approach with expert interviews and a literature review, this study identifies gaps in Abu Dhabi’s innovation framework. It recommends enhancing ecosystem efficiency by promoting a risk-taking culture, better-integrating universities, and supporting B2B cooperation to elevate Abu Dhabi as a global innovation leader.
Date of Award28 Jun 2024
Original languageEnglish
Awarding Institution
  • Universidade Católica Portuguesa
SupervisorPeter V. Rajsingh (Supervisor)

Keywords

  • Entrepreneurial ecosystem
  • Dynamic capabilities
  • Ambidexterity
  • Knowledge-based economy
  • Abu Dhabi
  • Silicon Valley
  • Innovation

Designation

  • Mestrado em Gestão e Administração de Empresas (mestrado internacional)

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