How has the Web Summit’s approach to fostering startups and driving technological innovation contributed to the creation of successful global innovation ecosystems?

Details

Supervisors

Decaux, Loïc

Faculty

Louvain School of Management

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur de gestion, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enThis thesis investigates how the Web Summit’s approach fostering startups and driving technological innovation contributes to the creation and development of successful global innovation ecosystems. Grounded in the theoretical frameworks of innovation ecosystems, open innovation, and network theory, the study explores the Web Summit as a large-scale platform that connects diverse stakeholders (including startups, investors, corporations, policymakers, and academia) to facilitate knowledge exchange, collaboration, and investment. Through a qualitative case study methodology combining document analysis and semi-structured interviews with key ecosystem actors, the research highlights the Summit’s role in enabling open innovation flows, brokerage of strategic relationships, and crosssector partnerships that accelerate startup growth and technological diffusion. While challenges related to scalability, inclusivity, and intellectual property protection are acknowledged, findings emphasize the Summit’s function as a critical catalyst in shaping resilient, dynamic, and sustainable innovation networks on a global scale. The thesis concludes with practical implications for policymakers and startup hubs and suggests avenues for future research on replicating and adapting the Web Summit model in different regional contexts.