In the wild, ecosystems are complex webs of organisms, weather and landscapes interacting in delicate equilibrium to create a hubbub of life. No two ecosystems are alike. So it is, too, with the microcosms that form around start-ups. Those that thrive – think Silicon Valley and Israel – are invariably hothouses of mutually supporting entrepreneurs, investors, regulators and researchers.

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 are often nurtured by unique local conditions and historical backgrounds. The rise of Silicon Valley, for instance, has its roots in the region’s industrial past. Research universities, venture capital and supportive regulations further nourished the nascent start-up hub.

Israel’s emergence as a “start-up nation”, in contrast, owes more to government support, as well as substantial investment in research and development. But the country's mandatory military training, which indirectly imparts soft skills like teamwork, and its inherent global outlook also play a part.

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.