Building the Next Generation of Entrepreneurial Ecosystems

The term “ecosystem” was first coined by botanist Arthur Tansley in 1935 and describes how interconnected functional units work together for the overall benefit of the group.

With this in mind, we explore the foundations of regional economic success by diving into how it is supported by entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Hosted by Chris Moule, Head of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at Robert Gordon University, we are joined by three experts sharing lessons and insights from diverse geographic areas:

Jen Scott - Director of Entrepreneurship at Opportunity North East (sharing insights on Northeast Scotland), Ross Tuffee - Co-author of the Entrepreneurial Campus Blueprint and Entrepreneur in Residence at University of Stirling (discussing the Estonian ecosystem following a learning journey), and Ian Browne - CEO at Founder Labs (joining via Zoom to discuss his experiences in Northern Ireland).

Join the debate as we discuss important topics such as:

What can emerging entrepreneurial ecosystems learn from more mature ones Why is it important to adapt those insights to fit our unique regional context rather than simply copying models?

We cover the powerful impact of international diaspora networks, the critical role of alumni engagement, and the need to raise ambition within local startup communities.

Discover how universities, founders, and investors can better connect to build a system that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.