Regional entrepreneurial ecosystems support for a low-tech food sector case study

Mayho, Sharon, Clifton, Nick and Bowen, Robert ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8492-2701 2026. Regional entrepreneurial ecosystems support for a low-tech food sector case study. Triple Helix Journal 10.1163/21971927-bja10084

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Abstract

This study examines the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem supporting food and drink SME s in Wales in the context of post-Brexit, COVID-19 and wider geopolitical disruptions. Because SME s make up 92% of Welsh food enterprises, effective innovation support is crucial. While existing research emphasises university-led triple-helix contributions to innovation, this study broadens the lens to assess the wider configuration of support actors and networks. Using an inductive mixed-methods design, including a questionnaire of 163 firms (35 responses) and nine follow-up interviews, the analysis identifies core support needs in the technical, organisational, food-safety, and training domains, with secondary demand for food science, sustainability, and packaging. The findings reveal fragmented support pathways, bureaucratic barriers, and coordination gaps, particularly affecting mid-size firms and those needing regulatory or operational guidance. While triple-helix interventions were beneficial, broader ecosystem support lacked cohesion and scalability, underscoring the need for integrated policy frameworks and improved system orchestration.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Published Online
Status:	In Press
Schools:	Schools > Business (Including Economics)
ISSN:	2197-1927
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	5 November 2026
Date of Acceptance:	28 September 2026
Last Modified:	05 Nov 2026 13:45
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/190698

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