Entrepreneurial ecosystems boundaries in creative economy: Typology, customer orientation levels and assessment methods

Introduction: in the context of economic system transformation and growing importance of intangible production factors, creative economy has acquired the status of one of the priority areas of socio-economic development. This study focuses on the phenomenon of entrepreneurial ecosystems operating within creative economy, with a particular emphasis on identifying their boundaries and mechanisms of actor interaction. Objectives: to provide a theoretical understanding and conceptualization of entrepreneurial ecosystem interaction boundaries in the creative economy, as well as to develop a model that reflects the specific features of actor cooperation within these ecosystems. Methods: the research employs an interdisciplinary methodological approach, combining elements of institutional, network, cluster, and comparative-statistical analysis with case studies. Results: the study refines the understanding of the nature of entrepreneurial ecosystems in the creative economy, with a focus on their structural and functional boundaries. It demonstrates that ecosystem boundaries are dynamic and context-dependent, shaped by digital, institutional, cultural, and cognitive factors. Key structural parameters of a creative ecosystem are identified: the degree of digital platform integration, the presence of legal and organizational frameworks (intellectual property rights, standards, subsidies), and the density of connections among participants. An original four-tier model of the creative ecosystem is proposed, encompassing both material and immaterial conditions of cooperation. A concept of flexible and cooperative boundaries is introduced, enabling self-organization of actors and ensuring ecosystem resilience. It is established that the sustainability of creative ecosystems depends on the development of human capital, the capacity for digital monetization of creativity, the integration of education with market practices, and institutional adaptability. Conclusions: sustainable development of regional entrepreneurial ecosystems in the creative economy requires the formation of flexible and cooperative boundaries that ensure effective actor interaction, institutional compatibility, digital integration, and a high level of human capital.