The concept of a youth entrepreneurship ecosystem

The relevance of this research topic stems from the growing recognition that unlocking the entrepreneurial potential of young people requires a holistic, ecosystem-based approach. Despite the existence of disparate support measures, the scientific literature lacks a unified understanding of the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem, which complicates its targeted development. The aim of this article is to develop a concept for a youth entrepreneurship ecosystem for the Republic of Belarus based on a synthesis of theoretical approaches and an analysis of the practical activities of key institutions. To fulfill this aim, the following tasks were addressed in the work: clarifying the conceptual apparatus, identifying key elements of the ecosystem, and developing practical recommendations for the Belarusian context. The study utilized a comparative analysis method and a systems approach. This allowed us to identify narrow (instrumental) and broad (systemic) approaches to its development and summarize key structural elements. Based on the analysis, a definition of the term ‘youth entrepreneurship ecosystem’ was developed. The author's structural and functional model of the youth entrepreneurship ecosystem has been developed, highlighting its key characteristics: interconnectedness and interdependence, self-regulation and sustainability, openness and co-evolution, and targeted development. A practical concept for developing a youth entrepreneurship ecosystem in Belarus is proposed, encompassing six key areas: integration and coordination, human capital development, investment and financial support, creating a networking environment, monitoring and feedback, and public visibility and support.