Many start-ups do not survive the first few years of business. Previous studies suggest that networks play a role in start-ups’ success, but this positive effect has limits. The purpose of this paper is to answer the call for a better understanding of the dark side of networks and the variables that condition the likelihood of start-ups’ survival. Based on an empirical study from two different countries, the results show that effective networking is contingent on the start-up’s economic situation and creative potential. Specifically, the results point to situations in which early sales growth may lead to external networking, which, in contexts of low creativity-oriented start-ups, can compromise the start-ups’ success.

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This research compares student entrepreneurial ecosystems in France and Norway, focusing on how students access support, resources, and networks. In France, the system is centralized, driven by key actors like Student Hubs for Innovation, Transfer and Entrepreneurship, called PEPITE. In Norway, it is open and collaborative, with strong student associations and community ties. Using interviews and social network analysis, I explored the access and the circulation of information among actors in student entrepreneurial ecosystems. The results reveal different paths to innovation shaped by culture, policy, and education.
Supporting student entrepreneurship is not just about funding or training. It’s about building inclusive ecosystems where students, mentors, and institutions work together.
HU Dijia - Faculté des Sciences Economiques et de Gestion Strasbourg |
- Master Thesis
- Entrepreneurship, Innovation Management
