AgriFoodTech Entrepreneurial Ecosystems: A Comparative Analysis of North Carolina and Italy

This thesis examines entrepreneurial ecosystems in the AgriFoodTech sector, focusing on a comparative analysis between Italy and North Carolina (USA). The primary objective is to understand how ecosystems influence the emergence and growth of startups, identifying enabling and hindering actors and factors. Using a qualitative approach based on semi-structured interviews and a systematic literature review, five key dimensions were identified: ecosystem growth dynamics, resource endowment, micro-foundational strategic agency, relational social interdependence, and institutional governance foundations. The findings reveal that startup growth is shaped by complex interactions between actors and resources, with significant differences between the two geographical contexts. In North Carolina, the ecosystem is more structured and stable, characterized by a faster pace of development and a stronger emphasis on collaborative networks. In Italy, the ecosystem is more fragmented, with a higher dependence on external actors and an ambivalent perception of the role of universities and institutions. This research contributes to entrepreneurial ecosystem theory by extending existing models and proposing an evolutionary and configurational perspective. Practical implications include recommendations for targeted policies and managerial strategies, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and adaptive approach to support the development of startups in the AgriFoodTech sector.