Abstract
Purpose of the paper. The paper offers an organic view of the topic of entrepreneurship-related innovation ecosystems.
Methodology. Starting with bibliometric analysis a performance analysis was conducted to identify key trends in the intersection of entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem. Then the contamination lab experience is examinate to identify how it produces results in line with academic research.
Results. Through the results emerging from the performance analysis, the experience of the contamination lab, a new approach to entrepreneurship introduced in Italy in 2014, is examined to capture the main distinctive elements.
Managerial implications. This study provides insights for researchers and practitioners to replicate models like the contamination lab in building constructive collaboration between entrepreneurship and innovation.
Originality of the paper. The paper helps to cover a notable gap in understanding how theoretical models and frameworks can be designed to maximize the role of entrepreneurship in fostering innovation ecosystems.