The locational trilemma of moderate and emerging innovative countries’ start-ups

This study investigates start-ups from emerging EU member states relocating to established ecosystems. It questions whether such start-ups should stay at home or move for growth. Using Crunchbase data from 14 EU countries (March 2017), it concludes that relocating start-ups tend to succeed more than those staying put. This finding sparks a critical policy discussion, suggesting that policymakers could consider promoting the partial relocation of promising start-ups while simultaneously implementing measures that encourage these relocated companies to maintain economic ties with their home countries.