Are start-up ecosystems born or can they be made? Both, says Chiara Spina, INSEAD Assistant Professor of Entrepreneurship, who has extensive experience working with and studying start-ups in Italy, the United Kingdom, India and Pakistan.

In the latest INSEAD Knowledge podcast, Spina explains that flourishing ecosystems such as Silicon Valley and Israel are often nurtured by unique local conditions and historical backgrounds. Future start-up hubs could well spring up in emerging economies such as the Czech Republic, Jordan and Pakistan. Spina evaluates their relative advantages and weaknesses, drawing from her experiences working on the ground with entrepreneurs and policymakers in these countries.
She also recommends specific strategies for governments to find innovative ways to succeed in the start-up race, playing to the unique strengths and challenges of their region rather than replicating models from elsewhere.